The Reverend Doctor John Schwartz, Jr. was born on June 30th, 1936 to John Schwartz, Sr. and Lydia Hodde Schwartz, at a home near Brenham, Texas, assisted by mid-wife aunt Frederika Lehmann and Dr. Fred Hodde. Pastor Schwartz passed away on June 5, 2025 at the age of 88.
He was baptized and confirmed at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Sandy Hill, Texas. He was a graduate of Brenham High School, Texas Lutheran College (B.A.), Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, lowa (MDiv), Trinity University, San Antonio (M.A.) and the University of Texas at Austin (PhD.)
John was ordained into the Christian ministry on June 5th, 1962 and served pastorates at Hope (Beasley), St. Johns (Wallis), Trinity (Orange), Emanuel’s (Seguin), Texas Lutheran College (Seguin), Ebenezer (Maxwell), all in Texas. His teaching positions included adjunct professor at Texas Lutheran University, Trinity University and the University of Northern lowa, and Assistant Professor of Sociology and Department Chair at Wartburg College.
John married Jeannine L. Greiner on June 8th, 1958, and they shared almost fifty-one years of marriage. She preceded him in death. He is also preceded in death by his parents, brothers Leroy and wife Shirley, Nolan and wives Lynn and Marcie, and sister-in-law Florence.
Dr. Schwartz is survived by four sons and their spouses: John Ill and Debbie, Joel and Ruth, Tim and Kathy, David and Christina; eight grandchildren: John IV (Samantha), Julia (Jack Staub), Jimmy (Sarah), Rudy (Beth Harding), Zoë (Joseph Morse), Zach (Sara), Andy and Phoenix; and four great grandchildren: L.J., Connor, Jackson and Emerson. He is also survived by brother Leon Schwartz; sister Shirley Ashorn and her husband Melvin; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service celebrating Dr. Schwartz’s life will be held at Emanuel’s Lutheran Church on Monday, June 30, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. with the Reverend Marcus Bigott and Vicar Rudy Salazar, Jr. officiating. For those who desire, livestream will be available at https://www.youtube.com/@emanuelslutheranseguin.
A reception will follow in the Emanuel’s Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall.
Private interment will be held in San Geronimo Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Emanuel’s Lutheran Church, 206 N. Travis, Seguin, Texas, 78155.
You are invited to sign the guest book at www.treshewell.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155, 830-549-5912.