Stephen “Steve” Schwartz, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away at the age of 83 on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, MO.
Steve was born on December 29, 1941, in Centralia, the son of Matthew and Pauline (Larsh) Schwartz. He married Linda Keiner on June 15, 1968, in DuQuoin, IL and she survives him in Centralia.
A man of deep spirituality, Steve was a devoted student of the Bible, finding solace and guidance within its pages. He graduated with Bachelor Degrees in Theology and Philosophy from Kenrick Seminary in St. Louis, MO. From 1977 – 1989, he owned and operated the Schwartz Insurance Shoppe and later retired from being a Certified Financial Planner with American Express. He enjoyed woodworking and sports and he loved to dance, especially to “Johnny B. Goode”. He served in the U.S. Army and was a testament to his dedication and patriotism.
Steve is survived by his beloved wife, Linda, of 56 years. Together, they raised four children: Vince and wife Jeanna of Evansville, IN, Nick and wife Beth of Waterloo, IL, Stephanie Meyenburg and husband Adam of Granite City, IL, and Doug and wife Angela of Haubstadt, IN. Steve cherished his grandchildren: Jake, Jenna, Joe, Alec, Gavin and Owen Schwartz, and Lily and Alice Meyenburg, and his siblings: brothers, Phil and wife Debbie of Walnut Hill, IL, Tom Schwartz and Nancy James of Centralia, Tony Schwartz and Kandice Fischer of Centralia; and sister, Sara Smith and husband Steve of Centralia; and sister-in-law: Anne Schwartz of Walnut Hill. He is also fondly remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Matthew and Pauline Schwartz, his brother Dave and his sister Ruth Ann.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday, February 24, 2025, at St. Mary Church in Centralia with Monsignor David Darin officiating. A Visitation will occur the same day from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at St. Mary Church. Burial will follow the Mass at Calvary Cemetery in Centralia. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mary School in Centralia and will be accepted by the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore St. in Centralia, IL 62801 (618) 532-3523, which is honored to be of service to the Schwartz Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and on the Funeral Home’s Facebook page.
