Lawrence 'Larry' R. Schwartz, Jr.

Lawrence Ray Schwartz Jr., age 82, of Merrill, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at home on May 5, 2026. He was born on July 15, 1943, in  Ironwood, Michigan and was originally from Mercer, Wisconsin.

Lawrence was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and cherished great- and great-great-grandfather. At the age of 20, he proudly joined the United States Navy in 1963. He served as a boatswain in water transport and was assigned to the USS Intrepid. During his service, he received several honors, including the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal with a Bronze Star.

Following his military service, Lawrence dedicated 42 years of hard work to Semling and Menke, where he eventually retired. His strong work ethic and loyalty were evident throughout his career.

Lawrence is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Schwartz; his children, Jody (Joe) Schwartz, Peter and Krissy Schwartz, and Jean and Tom Gleich; his grandchildren, Jacob Schwartz, Justin and Shonda Schwartz, Benjamin Gleich, Emily and Travis Peterson, and Katie Patton; his great-grandchildren, Elijah Schwartz, Mason and Emily Forehand, Seely Peterson, Aubrey Patton, Breyonna Monson, Amari Patton, Lois Patton, Avery Patton, Akirah Keaton, Adria Keaton, Cartter Schade, and Kaydence Webie; and his great-great-grandchild, Malaki Prueser. He is also survived by his siblings, Marilyn Johnson, Duane and Sherry Schwartz, Remi Schwartz, Nancy Schwartz, Katie Whitt, Beverly Henrichs, along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his granddaughter Anna Schwartz; daughter-in-law Charity Manundu; brother-in-law Don Whitt; Rick Henrichs; Dennis Dwyer; sister-in-law Lorraine Schwartz; and siblings Gerald Schwartz, Linda Schwartz, Mavis Ritchie, and Wally Schwartz.

Lawrence treasured time with his family above all else. He especially looked forward to the family’s two-week summer vacations around the Fourth of July, traveling together to different states. He loved fishing with family, watching sports, working on circle-a-word puzzles, and making trips to the casino—one he had hoped to take just the week before his passing. Known for his humor, Lawrence loved to joke, make silly faces, and had a way of making nearly everyone he met feel welcome.

Most importantly, Lawrence loved the Lord. In his final days, he spoke openly of his faith, sharing that he saw his passing as a “win-win situation.” Knowing his time on earth was limited, he took comfort in the certainty that he was going home to Jesus. With intention and peace, he gathered his family, demonstrating love, strength, and grace until the very end.

Lawrence will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his faith, laughter, kindness, and unwavering devotion to his family.

The funeral service for Lawrence will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, May 15, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill. Rev. Jon Chapa will officiate. The family will receive friends beginning at 9:00 A.M., Friday at the church. Burial will take place in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery will graveside military rites conducted by V.F.W. Post 1638, Merrill.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation of Merrill is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com