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Michael Schwerdtfeger Obituary
Services will be held on Friday and Saturday for Michael Schwerdtfeger who passed away from injuries he sustained from a motorcycle accident on Thursday, September 14, in Boulder Creek, California. He was en route to his daughter's volley ball match at the time of his accident. He was 41 years old. Born in San Jose, he moved with his family 40 years ago, to the San Lorenzo Valley and attended Boulder Creek Elementary School, San Lorenzo Valley Jr. High and High School, and later attended Cabrillo College and Grossmont Jr. College. Michael graduated from the California Culinary Academy and had a career as an executive chef which spanned over 20 years. His work took him to many locations including, Lake Tahoe, Hawaii, Texas, Fresno, Oregon and Felton, where he owned and operated the Trout Farm Inn. His catering firm 'Fear No Food' allowed him to make many life long friends and acquaintances in the San Lorenzo Valley area, as he catered his friend's weddings, anniversaries and family celebrations. Michael was awarded the Best Food and Best Marriage of Food and Wine for two consecutive years at the Autumn Food and Wine Jubilee in Lake Tahoe at Squaw Creek. Along with his many achievements we would also like to include that from early on as a small child he was a peacemaker and he never lost his ability to endlessly and selflessly uplift and help the people around him, in conversation or with extending his hospitality to those in need. With his gracious heart and charismatic persona he never failed to support anyone whether it was on two or four legs. He lived his life to the fullest and he will be greatly missed.
He was a talented athlete and enjoyed the outdoors. He wrestled at S.L.V. High and later became the wrestling coach at his alma mater. Michael and his wife, Kristin dedicated much of their time volunteering for both school and student needs, and were very involved in their children's education and sports endeavors. In his free time, Michael loved to snow ski, ride motorcycles, power boats, and fish, but his greatest passion was to his family.
He is survived by his wife, Kristin Schwerdtfeger, his son Jason Schwerdtfeger 18, and his two daughters Chelsea 16 and Marina Schwerdtfeger 13 all of Boulder Creek. He also leaves his mother, Sharron Schwerdtfeger-Binford of Santa Cruz, his brother and sister-in-law Jeff and Jules Schwerdtfeger of Santa Cruz, his sister and brother-in-law, Tami and Kirk Stuparich of Boulder Creek, his step sisters and their spouses, Sharlee and Gary Erickson of Redwood City, and Cyndee and Dan Meschi of Ben Lomond. Michael also is survived by his nieces, Echo, Ashley, Katie, Marissa, Sara, Aryanna, and Valerie, and his nephews, Jeffrey, Linsey, and Alex along with many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family and beloved pets Lucus Patrick O'Malley, Powder Lilly Blossom, and Jasper.
Friends may pay their respects at Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel on Friday, September 22 from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. A memorial service will take place on Saturday, September 23 at the Brumbaugh Residence -200 Holiday Lane in Ben Lomond, next to Highland Park from 2 to 4 p.m. A wake will immediately follow the memorial service at the Chestnut Residence 2001 River Street in Brookdale A committal and burial service will be private. A trust fund has been established for his family at Union Bank - 6265 Highway 9 in Felton, 95018 and a Benefit lunch is planned at Scopazzi's Restaurant 13300 Big Basin Way Boulder Creek on October 1.
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Memories and Condolences
for Michael Schwerdtfeger
Sponsored by Schwerdtfeger Family.
Pamela Suino
October 30, 2024
Hi Michael, What do you have cooking in heaven? Busy as can be expected on this side of the veil. Keeping you close to heart. Keep an eye on us all....we are human! LOL!
Jeff Schwerdtfeger
October 28, 2024
Michael,
I know you´re looking down upon us all. I still think about you often and miss you everyday. Jules and I divorced, she´s not who I thought she was an I´m disappointed in who she has become.
I love you Brother and miss your friendship.
Love
Jeff
Pamela Suino
September 14, 2024
Another year and another hello prayer to you.
Pamela Suino
June 2, 2024
Hope all is well in heaven and you are getting the hang of it. Keep an eye on us down here..we need it! :) Hugs till then!
Michelle
May 29, 2024
Thinking of you with happy memories and love. Missing you as always. A hui hou~
Pam Suino
September 14, 2023
Hope your stay in heaven is amazing. See you soon I'm sure! Hugs till then.
Pamela Suino
September 15, 2022
Just came across the ball cap the other day. Never forget!
Pamela Suino
September 15, 2021
Checking in to leave you a prayer and a hello. Here's to good cooking and a good laugh.
Pamela Suino
September 14, 2019
Checking in to say hello Mike. Missing you and thinking about you. Making that chicken you liked! Hugs!
February 23, 2018
Just passing through and leaving you a prayer and a hello.
November 22, 2017
Thinking of you during this Holiday Season.
jules ellingson-schwerdtfeger
September 13, 2011
Miss you Mike. Can't believe it has been 5 years. Still waiting for you walk in the door sometime. ? I remember exactly what I was working on when we got the call... It is a piece I see often and when I see it I feel sad but then I realize I am thinking of you and you live on. Coincidence... the piece has to do with food. :) xoxo jules
Jeff Schwerdtfeger
September 13, 2011
It's been 5 years since you passed away Michael. I think of you almost every day, regardless of the passing of time. I've spent the first 4 years keeping "Fear No Food" alive, catering and keeping up the Inc. Tami, Kirk, Ashley, Jules, and your kids have all been a part of it at one time or another. It was a great time and when the time was right, we sold the business to someone who will keep us all proud.
Every time I ski at Kirkwood I remember your resting on the slopes and enjoying the view and what a view it is all four seasons.
Your kids are all grown and doing their own thing. I can't keep up with them as they all seem to move around like pinballs. They are all in good health and doing what they believe is best for themselves, which is what I believe would make you happy.
Life goes on Michael and we all get older. I will always remember you my brother and recall all the wonderful memories we had together. I wish you were here, but realize I will be with you soon enough as I'm completing my 50 years on this earth this year. The family is as strong as always and we all talk about your memories frequently.
I miss you and will always love you Michael.
Love your brother,
Jeff
Michelle
May 18, 2009
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHAEL!! Thinking of you today and hoping you are having a great birthday party! Saw Ladyhawk yesterday and thought about seeing it with you. I love you and miss you too much!
Michelle
June 12, 2008
Thinking of you today and always, with the knowing your love and happiness is close by but, missing you too much all the same.
Lynnette Robustelli-Crouch
May 18, 2008
Michael,
today is your birthday and we miss you. I have many great memories of your laughter and smile. I remember when you and Andy use to make GIANT bowls of cereal, late at night and eat the whole thing, while cracking up. Miss you on your birthday. oxoxoxo Lynnette
Michelle
October 12, 2007
MICHEAL, I miss you a whole lot and send you much love and happiness. Your in my thoughts, heart, and prayers always!
Jeff\ Schwerdtfeger
September 22, 2007
It's been a year since you began your journey Michael. Amazing how time moves forward at such a rapid pace. Your memory and spirit lives on in many ways. Fear No Food, Inc. lives on and has taken off this summer. I think of you every time we fire up the grill! Your Family remains strong, you would be proud of your children and their accomplishments over the past year. The first rain is falling and I look forward to visiting your memorial at Kirkwood soon, skiing in the "poofda" with my Bro.
Miss You,
Jeff
Love, Chelsea and Marina Schwerdtfeger
September 15, 2007
We miss our Dad so much, he will be in our hearts forever, and never forgotton. Thanks to our family and community, who warmed our hearts during the last year, we have been able to cope with this loss easier.
We love you Daddy, and miss you a ton!!!
<3
xoxoxoxoxo
Sharron Binford
September 14, 2007
To Family, Friends, and Community, It is hard to believe that a year has gone by since Michael was taken from us. Living without him has not been easy, but life has a way of continuing. His children Jason, Chelsea, and Marina have his spirit and strength. They are his living legacy and he would be proud of them. His wife Kristin, has carried on with courage and strength. The road has been long and hard. His brother Jeff and Jeff.s wife Jules have taken over Michael's catering company "Fear No Food". His sister Tami, and Tami's husband, Kirk help with many of the catering functions. They want "Fear No Food" to continue in tribute to their brother, Michael.The out-pouring of love and support from the Community as been overwhelming. We are so grateful to everyone. It was a pleasure and a joy to have known you Michael. Your great spirit and love of life and people shall be with us always. We hope your journey was a safe one. Until we meet again.........Love always and forever, Mom
Tami Stuparich
September 14, 2007
It is hard to believe that it has been 1 year. So much has changed without the heart of our family. Micheal, we miss you ever day. We know you are watching over us and feel you all around us.
It has been such a gift to see how much the kids have grown this last year. They are all doing well and are so wonderful. We are so proud of them.
We are also so blessed to live in such a beautiful place. The valley is an amazing community that has been overwhelmingly supportive of our entire family. We will be forever grateful for all of your love and support.
'Never Forget Micheal Schwerdtfeger'
Lynnette Robustelli-Crouch
September 13, 2007
Michael,
time marches on, children grow so fast! and we continue to miss and think about you. I hope that you are looking over us all and we bring a smile to your face often. Love to you!oxoxo Lynnette
To the Schwerdtfeger Family (all of you!)... hugs and love on 9/14/07. L
Kristin (Me)
September 12, 2007
The Schwerdtfeger family would like to say a Special Thank You to all of San Lorenzo Valley and beyond for all the support and generosity that you showed to our family in our time of need. We truly would not be where we are today without all the helping hands that came to us. You kept the roof over our heads and the food on our table in the past year. We cannot express our undying gratitude to all that contributed to our family. It was truly amazing to our family and just proved to us all the love that Michael had showed to the community. Because we received it back tenfold. Even though Michael is not with us he still shines through in his children. Jason has gone through two cars within a one year time span. He has graduate from Cabrillo College with an Associates in Arts. He has now gone off to college in Camarillo California at California State University Channel Island to get his bachelor’s degree. He got his braces off just before he left for college. He is becoming quit the young man I couldn’t be more proud of him. Let see, Chelsea is now in her senior year of high school at SLVHS and getting ready to drive, look out. We got to see her father’s adventurous side come out once again with Chelsea in July when she was having a day at the Garden of Eden in Felton . To show her love for life Chelsea jumped off a rock into the water but didn’t go all the way in. Lucky for her she will be just fine. However we aren’t sure if she will be playing soccer this year we will keep are fingers crossed. Marina, the little angel as her siblings refer to her, she has had a great year in club volleyball and is still going strong with school volleyball. We have seen the “Michael side” of Marina in her smile . We all went to Molokai Hawaii over the summer which was the next Island that Michael wanted to go to. It was a very spiritual time for all of us.
Thank You Again,
Kristin, Jason, Chelsea, & Marina Schwerdtfeger
Lynnette Robustelli-Crouch
May 18, 2007
Michael, I have been going through old pictures for Dad's retirement, and there you are, everywhere throughout our lives. Your smile, I can hear your laugh, love you, miss you. Birthday Hugs. oxxo Lynnette
Michelle
May 18, 2007
Happy Birthday Michael!!!! I hope your having a very wonderful birthday in heaven. I miss you all the time, your smile, laugh, your help, your opinion, your hugs and of course the way you always see the best in everything. Your in my thoughts and prayers always. Love you, Michelle
misty Reynolds
February 5, 2007
Mike, we miss you everyday, Hunter said that when he get's his super powers he will fly up to heaven and go say hi to you! I just smiled and hugged him and told him that would be nice. I think of you everyday and miss you so. Misty
Sharlee Erickson
November 30, 2006
Michael,
I know we were only "family" for a short time, but I miss you like we were brother and sister forever. Please say hey to Daddy. I love you.
Sharlee
Jeff Schwerdtfeger
November 28, 2006
Michael,
Your family misses you during this holiday season. We have thought about you every day and our Thanksgiving was in your memory!
I'm going to make some turns at Kirkwood in your memory, as we shared so many days in the Pufda together. Part of you will be spread to the left side of the "Wall Chair" marked with a chrome ski at the base of the exposed rock wall! some of the most extreme terrain in the world!! I miss you Bro and love you very much!
Your Brother and Best Friend,
Jeff
Eleonora Zuolo
October 10, 2006
Even if we had met only one time Michael, summer 2004, we have been deeply impressed by his generosity and humanity. He will be always in our mind.
We were so sorry to hear of your loss.
From Zuolo family,
Eleonora, Federico, Antonio, Luisa,
Italy
Sharron Binford
October 5, 2006
To My Precious Son Michael, It is so hard to imagine life without you Michael. You were like a ray of sunshine in all of our lives....giving us encouragement, support and love. Just hearing your voice when you called me every morning brought me great joy. Your enthusiasm, and zest for life were contagious. You are loved by so many and you helped so many and you were such a positive influence to so many. You will forever be in our thoughts and hearts. You will live on through your beautiful children,Jason, Chelsea, and Marina. Kristin, Jeff, Jules, Tami, Kirk, and I will be there for them forever. We are in profound grief, but our lives will go on some how. Until we meet again in a wondrous place beyond our wildest imagination.....the place where you are. God Bless you my precious child. You were a gift. All of My Love, Your Mom, Sharron
Cindy (Eberhardt) Cruse
October 4, 2006
The sun broke through the clouds in Crescent City the other day when I stopped to say a prayer for Michael and his family. Although it has been years since I saw Mike, just the thought of him brought a smile to my face. He will be so missed.
Ted George
September 28, 2006
I only knew you for about a year. In that time I was amazed by your unbounded energy, positive attitude towards life, and ongoing community involvement. I was so thrilled by our Kirkwood trip, skiing together and getting to know you better.
You are a truely incredible person! You will be sorely missed, and never forgotten!
Julia Ellingson-Schwerdtfeger
September 26, 2006
Dear Mike,
I don't know why you had to leave this world so soon. You brought everyone such happiness and joy. I am sure you will continue to do so in the next. We miss you beyond words ... Om Mani Padme Hum
with love,
jules
the smile and laughter we will never forget
September 26, 2006
with his Father, Raymond
September 26, 2006
the hansome lad
September 26, 2006
Don Stuck
September 26, 2006
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Steve Johnson
September 26, 2006
To the Schwerdtfeger Family.
I wish you comfort in your loss. I met Michael once years ago.
I knew Tami and Kurt many years ago working at Teleprompter. I am truely sorry you lost your brother Tami. You are very sweet and kind people and the world is blessed to have people like you to share life with. I only wanted to say that you have touched many people in a positive way just by knowing you.
You are good people and I wish you peace.
Steve Johnson
Tim & Lisa West
September 26, 2006
To all the Schwerdtfeger family - We are thinking of all of you during this very difficult time and always. Much love to you all.
Love, Tim and Lisa
Daren Rimando
September 25, 2006
Micheal,
Thank you for being one of many friends during my younger years. I have many fond memories of the times we hung out and shared times together with others. You have been a positive influence to me in shaping me into the person I am today. You will always be in my memories and even though I have been distant from you since those days, you will be missed!
On a funny note (to me), I still remember the "used" boots (Colorado's) I bought from you in Jr. High.
To Kristin Schwerdtfeger, his son Jason Schwerdtfeger 18, and his two daughters Chelsea 16 and Marina Schwerdtfeger, my deepest condolenses and prayers to you all.
GOD Speed Michael!
Brian and Misty Reynolds
September 24, 2006
Well michael, you were definatly smiling down on us saturday at your wake!! Everybody was so proud to have met or known you,You were our party manager in the sky! We toasted you, we cried because we missed you and we smiled because we knew you.WE are going to miss you, as well as everybody there,And you were "the story" that Ron read about you,cracking us up at your own memorial service.Not only are you a part of history in this valley but in many places across the miles, We miss you Mike, thanks for the memories. all of our love forever, to you and your family. oxox Love Brian and Misty.
John Lawler
September 24, 2006
You will be missed by many without a doubt. Growing up with you and the crew are the very best memories of my life. At least nobody can say that you didn't live life to the max, and managed to smile all the while. Cheers buddy!
Wendy Manley
September 24, 2006
Thank you, Michael for being such an important part of my teenage years.
I have so many fond (and funny) memories of you, Bryan and all the
crew. In later years, seeing what you have done with your life and the
amazing family you have created has been awsome. The example you set
for generosity and friendship
is unsurpassed. It has been truly a
pleasure knowing you. Thank you for including me as a friend. I will
never forget you.....
Tami Stuparich
September 22, 2006
Michael,
You were and will always be my heart. I will miss your storng shoulders to cry on our just to rest my head. I will miss your big loving brown eyes, your wonderful bright smile and your amazing hugs. I will look for you in the stars, in the wind and rain. You will be there when the snwo begins to fall and on warm sunny days. You were so very loved and will always be a part of me. I will love you forever little brother!
Your loving sister, Tami xxxxxooooo
Judy Dekalb
September 22, 2006
Michael,
You made such a difference as a member of our community here in the Valley. Your warm and always welcoming personality will stay with us forever. The kids whose lives you touched will miss you so.
My heart goes out to Kristen, your children, and your family and friends who love you so much.
Love and Peace always,
Andy & Tammy Robustelli
September 22, 2006
I loved Michael very much. He had such a big heart. We shared so many memories together. He will be missed and I will never forget him. Our hearts go out all that knew and loved him.
Scott & Tracey Mattoch
September 22, 2006
Our heart goes out to you and your family. We will forever remember your friendship and laughter. You are a wonderful person.
Lynnette Robustelli-Crouch
September 21, 2006
Michael, thank you for your gifts and talents that you shared with so many. Thank you for showing others by example, that life is precious, and needs to be treasured every day! You lived your life with such zest and emotion, I will always remember that about you. You will always hold a place in our family, our hearts and our memories. Love you.
Kristi DiAmico
September 21, 2006
Michael,
You lived your life to the fullest and always had a smile for everyone. My heart goes out to your lovely wife, children and family. You will be missed.
Karen (Wingert) Youmans
September 21, 2006
Sadness filled our hearts when we heard about Michael. He was such a good spirited person that it would be near impossible not to like him. I have fond memories of him from elementary, all the way through HS, and even first communion! It seemed right that we would end up raising our children together in this Valley as well.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Karen, Alyssa & Brendon Youmans
Sharlee Erickson
September 21, 2006
Michael, you were the brother I always wanted. We had such a short time together. Thank you for being a wonderful caring and loving part of my life. I will always remember your kindness and your beautiful smile.
Leann Dyer
September 21, 2006
Michael I will think of you often
and remember your fun friendly smile. My prayers and thought's go out to your family. Love You
Jason,Chelsea,Marina,and Kristin.
May God Bless you and help you thru this time.
Your frined in Lake Tahoe
Misty Reynolds
September 21, 2006
Mike, I miss you, we share so so many memories, you will forever be in my thoughts,missed and loved very much, Some day i too will have to go off to Heaven,when god need's me, as he has needed you, and i know you will meet me there at the pearly gates with a Big sqeeze hug.All of my Love to your family, Kristen and the kids. Misty
Dick Gomez
September 21, 2006
Mikey, I'll miss that smiling face of yours, but really, I see it now and forever in my mind and my heart.All our love and support to the family.
Dick and Karen Gomez
Brian Reynolds
September 20, 2006
Michael, I truley loved you unconditionaly and the memories that we shared I will cherrish forever, when I go to tahoe next weekend look for me, I will climb to the top of ellis peak to give you a big hug, because I know that it was one of your favorite places. I love you Jason, Chelsea, Marina, and kristen. Love Brian Reynolds
Jeff Schwerdtfeger
September 20, 2006
Michael my brother and best friend. My heart and soul aches with the thought of not sharing my life with you. Your memories will light my way and keep life worth living. Every thought is one of your smiling face, always bright at the darkest of times.
Love always, your brother Jeff
Jackie losurdo
September 20, 2006
Michael, you will be forever missed. I will always remember our wonderful but very short visit we had. Michael and Jackie Losurdo
Bruce & Susan Whitehill
September 20, 2006
Michael will be remembered as a giving, loving person who reached out to all around him. Our hearts go out to the Schwerdtfeger family. Brittany, Shannon, Susan & Bruce Whitehill
Larry, Alison and Chris Brown
September 20, 2006
We will remember Michael with love. He always had a positive outlook on life, he cared about his family and the kids he worked with at SLV. He gave and shared of his life with those around him. I thought of him as an example of fatherhood to be emulated. We'll miss him.
Teresa Paradise
September 20, 2006
We can not begin to express how much we will miss you. You will be in our hearts and thoughts forever. Thank-you for being such a great friend. Thank-you for all the memories, all the times you made us laugh, and all the wonderful food. "LOVE YA" Bryan & Teresa
Teresa Kuhnlein
September 20, 2006
You are in our thoughts and prayers
ELizabeth (lisa) Chase (Catlin)
September 20, 2006
Michael was the best friend I have ever had , He had the gift of lifting everyones spirit , I will miss him so much, All my love to the family,
Mike and Crystal Skoog
September 20, 2006
It's hard to understand why people are taken away from us, but find comfort in kwowing you were a special part of a well-lived life.My heart aches for your family. I'm sorry for your loss.Memories are the legacy of love.
Jeana & Rob Correllus
September 20, 2006
Our thoughts are with you and your family during this time of sorrow. May your memories bring you comfort. Mike will be so missed and we will always love him and never forget all the great memories and things he did.
Mary Clark
September 20, 2006
Love and prayers from our family to yours.
Mary, Sierra and Cassady Clark
Tina Peddy
September 20, 2006
Michael we will miss you and love you forever you will live on in our hearts. and we will be sure to tell all the great stories we have of you for many years to come. love you forever Tina
Matt & Brenda Horder
September 20, 2006
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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