Thomas J. Schwarz

Thomas J. Schwarz, 75, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his wife and four children on Thursday, May 15, 2025. Tom was born October 28, 1949 in Traverse City, Michigan to William and Shirley (Grosvenor) Schwarz. He grew up in Leland, Michigan and as a first generation college student, graduated from Michigan State University with his Bachelor’s Degree in social work. Tom devoted his career to helping people, especially children. He believed in providing services in a way that ensured the dignity of all. With his profound empathy, integrity and leadership, Tom advanced his career and the family welfare work he so deeply believed in as the Director of the Family Independence Agency in Ontonagon, Missaukee and Wexford counties. He retired as Out State Operations Administrator after 36 years with the Department of Health and Human Services. Although Tom was proud of his career, his greatest pride came from his loving family and marriage of 56 years. He met his beautiful wife JoAnn at a summer dance and, by 18 years of age, they were married. Tom and JoAnn had four children who they raised to be empathetic and kind, all having successful careers of their own. Tom was a devoted and adoring husband, dad and grandpa. Whether it be through summer trips to South Manitou Island, campfire singalongs or walks in nature, he loved nothing more than enjoying time together with all “his chickens home to roost.” Tom had a love of music that he brought to others playing with Duck Soup, Mulligan Stew, and his most recent band, the Inland String Band. He was a great vocalist and string player, gathering family and friends to enjoy folktales and songs of the Great Lakes. Tom was an avid sailor and loved time on the water. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and the Manitou Islands held a special spot in Tom’s heart. He appreciated the simple things like wind in the trees, a catchy melody, and the comfort of a loyal pup at his side. He loved to travel, especially visiting the National Parks. Tom’s incredible kindness, gentle nature, love of all critters, tremendous sense of humor and steadfast loyalty will be part of the lasting legacy that he was proud to instill in his children and family. He will be so lovingly and sweetly remembered by all who knew him, and his music will forever live on in our hearts and the songs we sing. He is survived by his wife, JoAnn; children: Tommy (Sara Soderstrom) Schwarz, Jessica Schwarz, Katie (Justin) Burger, Megan (Kevin Koester) Schwarz; grandchildren: Mira, Isaac, Martin, Owen, Nora, and Finn and his sister, Tracy Scott. We will gather all those who knew and loved Tom on Friday, May 23rd from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Peterson Funeral & Cremation Services, 205 E Cass St., Cadillac, MI 49601. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the After 26 Project, www.after26project.org or any charity of your choice serving children and families. An online guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com.

Thomas J. Schwarz

October 28, 1949 - May 15, 2025