Christ J. "Sonny" Schwarz

Christ J. "Sonny" Schwarz, age 79 of Grantfork, IL, died Thursday, March 05, 2015, at his residence. He was born July 19, 1935, in Highland, IL, the son of Christian and Marie O. (nee Keller) Schwarz. On December 11, 1971, he married Emily Rose Knebel who survives. He was a member of St. Gertrude Catholic Church. He was also a member of Knights of Columbus #1510 (Life Member); Grantfork Volunteer Fire Department-Retired; Madison County Farm Bureau. Sonny was born in Highland and grew up north of Grantfork. He served six months in the United States Army reserves. After his father's death, when Sonny was the age of 21, he began taking care of the family farm. He was "always" a farmer (usually grain) and still harvested a crop in the Fall of 2014.He had also worked part-time for Leef Township for over 25 years.He loved having a large family and enjoyed playing with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed his dogs. Survivors include : Wife - Emily R. Schwarz, nee Knebel, Grantfork, IL Daughter - Tina M. Schwarz, Mason City, IL Daughter - Debora R. Schwarz, Jacksonville, IL Son - Kevin J. (Kris) Schwarz, Highland, IL Daughter - Brenda S. (Greg) Teakert, Creve Coeur, MO Daughter - Mary S. (Joe) Jackson, Pierron, IL Son - Chris L. Schwarz, Dunlap, IL Grandchild - Meredith J. Teakert, Creve Coeur, MO Grandchild - Jenna K. Teakert, Creve Coeur, MO Grandchild - Christian R. Schwarz, Highland, IL Grandchild - Emma R. Jackson, Pierron, IL Grandchild - Elizabeth R. Schwarz, Highland, IL Grandchild - Thomas J. Jackson, Pierron, IL Grandchild - Katherine M. Schwarz, Highland, IL Sister - MaryAnn E. (Jerry) Frueh, Alhambra, IL Brother - Lawrence J. (Shirley) Schwarz, Grantfork, IL He was preceded in death by : Father - Christian Schwarz (Died 11/3/1956) Mother - Marie Olivia Schwarz, nee Keller (Died 5/26/2000) First Wife - Louise Sharon Schwarz, nee Kloss (Married 10/12/1963 at St. Gertrude Catholic Church by Fr. Lawrence Auda; Died 6/13/1965) Daughter - Jane F.Schwarz died at age 1 9/11/1979 Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, Illinois. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Sunday, March 08, 2015, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL, and from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM, on Monday, March 09, 2015, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 AM on Monday, March 09, 2015, at St. Gertrude Catholic Church in Grantfork, IL, with Father Pat G. Jakel, officiating. Interment will be at Saint Gertrude Catholic Cemetery in Grantfork, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to Grantfork Volunteer Fire Department; Siteman Cancer Center; St. Gertrude Catholic Church.

Christ J. "Sonny" Schwarz

July 19, 1935 - March 5, 2015