John Martin Schwartz

John Martin Schwartz
Schwartz, John M. age 69 of Sedona, AZ passed away Sunday Oct. 25 doing what he loved (hiking with his son and grandson), in a place he loved (Sedona).
John was born and raised in La Grange, Illinois and graduated from Quigley Preparatory Seminary North and South. After graduation he attended Miami University in Oxford, OH where he met and married the love of his life, Beverly. Together they created a loving home raising 6 children. John loved his family more than anything and he lived his life that way. Over the years his impact as a coach, teacher, business man, son, brother, husband, father, grandpa, and friend to many, will continue to leave a lasting impression.
John was an avid and loyal sports fan, who loved his Chicago sports teams (minus one). He was always his childrens greatest fan and later became his grandkids biggest cheerleader. His love of sports and outdoor activities kept him young at heart. At a younger age he spent time playing semi-professional football, canoe races, camping trips, and boating. If it was outside he was doing it. When he was an established resident in Romeoville, Illinois he became well known from his years running the Spartans Football league. His impact on youth was something he was extremely proud of. While living in Romeoville he worked for Continental Bank, where he worked until he moved his family to Prior Lake, MN when he took a position at Collins Communications. Choosing to move his family to a new state away from his family and switching career paths was one that was not easy but he believed was a good move professionally. While serving the business community in Minneapolis he held positions at Dain Bosworth (Vice President), EPIC USA Telecommunications and Information Systems (Principal), Larson Allen (Principal), and then chose to leave the large corporate companies to finish his career at Courage Center as CIO and Securities Officer. The work he did for the Courage Center was one that he held near and dear to him. He finally retired in 2012. After retirement he spent countless hours hiking the beautiful red rocks in Sedona, where he became a volunteer for Friends of the Forest as a National Parks Ranger, and enjoying retired life with his wife.
John is survived by his loving wife of 48 years Beverly; son Gary (Maria) Schwartz; daughters Christy (David) Williams, Jennifer Sandoval, Lisa (Brad) Evenson, Amy (Alex) Mackenzie; eight wonderful grandchildren (Bobbe, Brayden, Kayleb, Max, Annika, Logan, Isabella, Ian); brother Bob (Cindy) Schwartz; sisters Mary Lynn Haun, Margaret (Mike) Fitzgerald, Diane (George) Bernico; a nephew and many nieces. Proceeded in death by parents John and Ruth Schwartz, and daughter Jacquelynn Schwartz La Clair.
Johns life will be celebrated with a service in Sedona on Monday, Nov. 2 and funeral service Tuesday, Nov. 3 with his final resting place in Centerburg, OH. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly request considering making a donation in Johns memory to Camp Courage. He enjoyed helping out while staying at the camp on some of his trips back to Minnesota, often bringing his grandchildren there. You can learn more about Camp Courage at www.truefriends.org. We would like to thank Greer Mortuary (Sedona, AZ) for the work and care they provided during this difficult time.