Duane August Schwartz, Sr., a longtime resident of Adrian, passed away peacefully early Tuesday, October 14, 2025, surrounded by his family at home. He was born in Peoria, IL on August 2, 1942, and raised by his mother, Ella Jacobson, alongside his stepfather, George Louis Slater.
Duane honorably served in the United States Navy for 21 years, retiring as a Chief Weapons Technician. After his military career, he taught at the College of Lake County (Illinois) from 1981 to 1989 before moving to Michigan, where he worked as an industrial electrician until his retirement in 2004. A steady presence and lifelong tinkerer, he loved coaching his sons baseball, spending the evening with a good book, capturing his friends and family with his cameras, or working on a new computer.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, George Slater; his sister Charlotte Jordan; and his daughter-in-law, Emma Schwartz.
Duane is survived by his wife of 61 years, Linda Faye Schwartz; their sons, Duane A. (Laurie) Schwartz II and Daniel Schwartz (late Emma); grandchildren, Jennifer Schwartz, Daniel C. (Breana) Schwartz, Jr., Anddora Martinez (Nick Soss), Audrey Schwartz and Seth Schwartz; and great-grandchildren, Logan Amos and Ariana Schwartz. He also leaves behind a special sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Dora and Lyle Teague.
At Duane’s request, there will be a private service held at the Oakwood Cemetery in Adrian.
Memorial contributions in honor of Duane may be given to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Arrangements have been made with the guidance of the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian.