Obituary: Eric Russell Schwartz

DARLINGTON - Eric Russell Schwartz, age 56, of Darlington, passed away on Saturday, March 24, 2007, at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison. He was born on June 17, 1950, in Madison, the son of Russell and Helen "Ginny" (Frontz) Schwartz. Eric attended Central High School in Madison. He was united in marriage to Jean Ann Loken on Aug. 20, 1969. Together they had two children: a son, Kevin Schwartz of New Lisbon; and a daughter, Jaci (Tom) Bennett of Shullsburg. At this time Eric worked for Chrysler Corporation of Belvedere, Ill. Eric also worked as a police officer for the City of Darlington, and Lafayette County Sheriff's Department. He was an active member of the community as a volunteer fire fighter, and a member of Rural Medical as a volunteer emergency medical technician. On Sept. 30, 1994, he was united in marriage to Barbara Ann Heyer at the Fayette United Methodist Church. He worked at FS Corporation as a delivery driver and at the time of his retirement he worked for Monroe Truck Equipment as a warehouse attendant. Eric is survived by his wife, Barb at home; his mother, Helen "Ginny" Schwartz of Verona; five children, Kevin Schwartz of New Lisbon, Jaci (Tom) Bennett of Shullsburg, Dustin Heyer of Arizona, Jackie Heyer and Jessica Halvorson, both of Stockton, Ill.; seven beloved grandchildren, Cody Bennett and Xzander Gregory-Russell Bennett of Shullsburg, Cody J. Ryan of Cuba City, Alexus Bennett of Belmont, Ceara Bennett of Freeport, Ill., Xavier Heyer of Darlington, and Angel Warfield of Stockton; two brothers, Rick (Chris) Schwartz and Craig Schwartz, both of Fitchburg; two nephews, Jim Schwartz of Fitchburg, and Austin Heller of Stockton; a niece, Kelsie Schwartz of Fitchburg; and many, many friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Russell "Bucky" Schwartz; and his grandparents. Eric enjoyed fishing, camping, and was an avid NASCAR fan who always rooted for Dale Earnhardt. He enjoyed spending time with his family, and his German Shepherd, "Bonnie", his faithful companion. Eric will be sadly missed, and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him. Funeral services will held on Thursday, March 29, 2007, at 11 a.m. at ERICKSON FUNERAL HOME in Darlington, with the Rev. Larry Hakes of Darlington United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be at Union Grove Cemetery in Darlington. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 28, 2007, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at ERICKSON FUNERAL HOME, ericksonfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Eric's name.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 27, 2007