John Willis Schwartze, III, 63, of Francisco, IN, passed away peacefully at his home on June 1, 2022, surrounded by his family. He was born to the late John Willis, Jr., and Elizabeth (Lannon) Schwartze on October 15, 1958, in Annapolis, MD.

John grew up a fisherman and sailor on the water of the Chesapeake Bay. He loved deep sea fishing, sailing, and deer hunting. He was an underground coal miner and supervisor for over 37 years. He most recently worked for Peabody Energy. John was a MSHA certified instructor who taught mining health and safety to a great many young miners. He was an EMT in Illinois and Indiana for many years. He had a lot of patience which made him such a good teacher. He truly loved teaching and would lead the field trips for the elementary school kids into the underground mines in Illinois every year. He was a member of the Norris City, Illinois Masonic Lodge #718, a member of the Shrine, and a member of the Eastern Star #783.

Besides his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Margaret Schwartze.

John is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Diana (Routte) Schwartze of Francisco, IN; children, Beth Whalen of Bowling Green, KY and Jon (Wanda) Schwartze of Lynnville, IN; grandchildren, Jay, Jaxson, and Jakob Whalen and Emma Schwartze; sister, Carol (Charles) Phillips of The Villages, FL, and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, June 5,2022, at 3:00 p.m. at Stodghill Funeral Home. Visitation will be on Sunday, June 5,2022, from 1:00 p.m. until service time. Burial will be at a later date. Donations in his honor can be made to the Gibson County Animal Services. Expressions of sympathy can be made at stodghillfuneralhome.com.

Gibson County Animal Services
P.O. Box 474, Princeton IN 47670
Tel: 1-812-386-8079
Web: http://www.gcasonline.org/