Jack D. Swartz

Jack Swartz, 79, of La Crosse died peacefully Wednesday, April 15, 2015, surrounded by family.
He was born September 24, 1935, in La Crosse, the son of Raymond Swartz and Mabel (Ellis) Hall. He graduated from Logan High School in 1954, where he was a state champion in gymnastics. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps where he was stationed in Alaska for three years. Jack was united in marriage to Mary (Greene) Swartz on June 6,1960 at St. John’s Catholic Church.
He was an avid fisherman and loved spending time on and around the water. He taught all of his children about the art of fishing. His favorite place to spend time was their family boathouse on the Black River.
Jack spent 26 years working as a building engineer for the School District of La Crosse. While there, he often spent time teaching the students everything they needed to know about fishing which included show-and-tell time with live fish and lures of all kinds. He was an engaging conversationalist with a wonderful sense of humor.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Swartz, of La Crosse; his children, Lorrae Swartz (Kathy), of La Crosse, Renee Antony (Dean), of Sparta, Leslie Ambrose (Paul), of La Crosse, Scott Swartz, of Minneapolis; his grandchildren, Amanda Gaut (Anton), Leah Vogt (Charlie), Jacob Ambrose; his great-grandchild, Avonte Page; and his sister Fay Russell. He is preceded in death by his father, Raymond Swartz; his mother, Mabel Hall, and his brothers, Billy and Kenny.
A memorial service will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Sunday, April 19, at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home, 200 West Ave S., La Crosse. A private military burial will take place on Monday.