Obituaries

April 2, 1959 to April 14, 2025

WINAMAC - Michael “Whistle” Schwartz, 66 of Winamac passed away at 3:31 a.m., Monday, April 14, at I.U. Health Arnett Hospital in Lafayette.

Born April 2, 1959 in Chicago, he was the son of the late Bernard and Phyllis (Bartgen) Schwartz.

"Whistle" Schwartz

Survivors include:
Dustin Salzer, son
Madison Salzer, granddaughter
Brody Salzer, grandson
John (Anita) Lasanowski, brother
Felicia Emigh, sister
Brenda Grimmett, sister
William Michael (Faye) Voight, brother
Pat (John) Wawrzyniec, sister
Bernard (Traci) Schwartz Jr, brother
Cathy (John) Fritz, sister
Daniel “Dino” Schwartz, brother
Terry (fiancé Amy) Schwartz, brother
Theresa Schwartz, sister
Randy Schwartz, brother
Rodney (Joleen) Schwartz, brother
Janet Schwartz, sister
Many nieces and nephews

He was preceded in death by:
Wayne Schwartz, infant brother
Bernard Voight, brother
Jean Schwartz, sister
Larry Schwartz, brother
Don Grimmett, brother-in-law

Mr. Schwartz was a farmhand, handy man and a jack-of-all-trades. He never liked to be in the spotlight. He was a man of few words, but his one-liners will never be forgotten. His nieces and nephews were never called by their real names, he had goofy nicknames for all of them. He was a member of the Winamac Eagles #2580 and enjoyed helping others, farming and spending time on the river. He never missed a bonfire, and he knew he never needed an invitation to join one. At family get-togethers, he was there one minute, and the next minute he had ventured off to somewhere else. He had a free spirit and lived life on his own terms. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends, and all who knew him.

A celebration of life service will be from 2 to 6 p.m., Sunday, April 27, at the Winamac Eagles #2580.

Memorial donations may be made to the Winamac Eagles #2580 to be used for the Angel Tree, for the love that Whistle had for children.

His online guestbook is available, and condolences may be shared with the family

Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes.