Shirley A. Schwarz, age 75 of Grantfork, IL, died Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at her residence in Grantfork, IL.
She was born on Friday, March 12, 1948, in Highland, IL, the daughter of Aloysius and Frances (nee Weis) Luitjohan.
She was a member of St. Gertrude Catholic Church; Altar Society; Grantfork Historical Society (Treasurer); Madison County Historical Society; Circle of Love Ministries-Greenville.
Shirley was born March 12, 1948, to Al and Frances Luitjohan on a farm south of Highland. Later, the family moved to a farm east of St. Jacob, where she attended St. Paul grade school in Highland through the third grade. The family then moved to a farm north of Grantfork (Schwarz wedding barn), becoming parishioners of St. Gertrude Church. She finished grade school in Grantfork. Her freshman year was spent attending Ripa Notre Dame High School in St Louis; she finished the last three years at Highland High School, graduating in 1966.Shirley was the oldest of 8 children, 7 girls and one boy. She worked at Diamond Mineral Springs in Grantfork and Artex in Highland. She attended beauty school in Edwardsville and worked at a beauty shop in Highland, later opening a shop in her home. She also volunteered her services, doing hair at Hitz Home in Alhambra. She also learned the art of cake decorating and made many wedding cakes.
Shirley worked in the Grantfork Elementary Cafeteria for many years, as well as in Hamel Elementary. She also worked at Grantfork Meats, clerked for Roniger-Schwarz Auction service and ran the Madison County Fair Kitchen. She married a farmer, Lawrence Schwarz, on August 3, 1968, at St. Gertrude Church. They lived 55 years on the farm where Lawrence was born, feeding steers, raising hogs, grain farming, and maintaining a large garden.Shirley was a wonderful cook who enjoyed baking cookies, pies and cakes, always entering them in the local county fairs. She also enjoyed playing Euchre and, years ago, line dancing.She was active in her church, coordinating mission trips and CCD religion classes at St. Gertrude, St. Elizabeth, and St. James. She belonged to the Altar Society and was a Eucharistic Minister. Shirley was active in the Circle of Love Ministries in Greenville, volunteering with women’s retreats and Bible studies. She also served six years as treasurer of the Grantfork Historical Society.Shirley leaves behind her husband, 5 children, 12 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.
Survivors include:
Husband – Lawrence J. Schwarz, Grantfork, IL
Daughter – Denise A. (Andy) Kinnard, Pocahontas, IL
Daughter – Aimee L. (George) Russell, Grantfork, IL
Son – Michael A. (Michelle) Schwarz, Grantfork, IL
Son – Jared J. (Jamie) Schwarz, Grantfork, IL
Daughter – Christine M. (Michael) Anderson, Highland, IL
Grandchild – Kelly (Significant Other-David Lane) Russell
Grandchild – Olivia (Brandon) Hosto
Grandchild – Jacob (Fiancee-Lexy Engelman) Russell
Grandchild – Mason Junker
Grandchild – Sophia Schwarz
Grandchild – Maveric Schwarz
Grandchild – Morgan Schwarz
Grandchild – Ella Schwarz
Grandchild – Laney Schwarz
Grandchild – Wyatt Anderson
Grandchild – Nolan Anderson
Grandchild – Hattie Anderson
Great Grandchild – Chloe Young
Great Grandchild – Oliver Hosto
Great Grandchild – Dorothy Hosto
Sister – Bonnie (James) Wesselmann, Breese, IL
Sister – Janet (Leonard) Thole, Highland, IL
Sister – Barb (Tim) Martiszus, Trenton, IL
Sister – June (Dave) Schmelter, Breese, IL
Sister – Marlene (Jerry) Vosholler, Highland, IL
Brother – Larry (Tina) Luitjohan, Grantfork, IL
Sister-In-Law – Emily Schwarz, Grantfork, IL
Sister-In-Law – Mary Ann (Jerry) Frueh, Alhambra, IL
She was preceded in death by:
Father – Aloysius G. Luitjohan (died 6/26/1993)
Mother – Frances Luitjohan (nee Weis) – Died 09/12/2018
Grandchild – Taylor Lauren Schwarz (infant)
Sister – Judith (Tom) Wilke, St. Rose , IL
Brother-In-Law – Christ “Sonny” Schwarz, Jr.
Niece – Sue Ann Wilke (infant)
Niece – Jane Schwarz (infant).
Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday, October 16, 2023, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL and from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at St. Gertrude Catholic Church in Grantfork, IL, with Rev. Father Pat G. Jakel, officiating.
Interment will be at Saint Gertrude Catholic Cemetery in Grantfork, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Gertrude Cemetery; Masses; Grantfork Historical Society; or Donor’s Choice.
