Michelle Schwarz and Family

With the permission of the family, I am setting up a Go Fund Me account for Michelle Schwartz and her family. Michelle's husband, Blake, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly this weekend. Michelle has always given her heart to others in their time of need. She gives her heart to helping people as a nurse every day as well. Michelle is going to need help with funeral expenses, housing expenses, and all the things that come along with this tragedy. Please help us support Michelle and her family during this difficult time. Michelle is only 26 years old and has worked for CGH and currently serves at the Thompson prison as a nurse. Find it in your heart to give whatever you can.

The family thanks you in advance for your help and generosity.

Chadwick, IL – Blake A. Schwarz, died March 24, 2023 at his home. He was a loving husband, supportive brother, adored son, a proud father to be and a loyal friend to many.

Blake was born on August 14, 1996, the son of Dannielle Morrison and step-father, Kevin Morrison. He was a graduate of Ashton-Franklin High School in 2014. He attended Sauk Valley Community College and achieved a degree in Criminal Justice. He was a dedicated and well-respected correctional officer at Thomson Federal Prison and an invaluable member of the Disturbance Control Team. He earned many honors and accommodations during his career.

He met Michelle in February, 2016 while attending school at Sauk Valley Community College and fell head over heels in love with her. He married the love of his life on August 6, 2022, surrounded by their families and closest friends. They recently bought their dream home and are expecting their first child in October, 2023. Nothing made Blake happier than sharing his life with his wife and knowing that he was a father to his unborn baby.

Blake loved spending time outside, going on long walks with his wife and their three dogs, Odin, Goliath and Olav. He loved his new cat, Apricot, that he convinced his wife he simply had to have. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, whether it be fishing or playing poker or just having an in depth talk about life over a couple beers. He was a simple man, with simple joys, but he loved fiercely and completely and unconditionally. Blake was the most loyal friend, partner and son that you would ever find. He was always the first to jump up and help someone in need, no matter the time of day or night and he was always willing to lend a patient and kind ear to anyone who needed to talk.

Blake was honest to a fault and would always “tell it how it is” with anyone he talked with, but always in a kind and respectful way. He had a quiet strength about him that his wife, family and friends cherished. He was grateful for everything he was ever given in this life and worked so hard to achieve his goals and dreams.

He will continue to be a devoted and loving husband to his wife and father to his child from Heaven, and he will continue to walk with his friends through this life until they meet again at Heaven’s gates.

Blake is survived by his wife, Michelle Schwarz (Grevengoed) and his child, Baby S, his mother, Dannielle (Kevin) Morrison; his brother, Brennen Jeanblanc; his sisters, Ava and Jasmine Morrison; two step sisters, April Nickelman and Amanda (Tim) Morton; his brother-in-law, Anthony (Abby) Grevengoed; his niece, Parker Grevengoed; mother-in-law, Patricia (Curt) Dahlstrom; father-in-law, Steve (Amy) Grevengoed; step brother, Jacob Huffman; step sister, Emily Huffman; his grandparents; aunts and uncles, his brothers and sisters from USP-Thomson, and many faithful friends.

He was preceded in death by his Great Grandpa, Dan Schwarz; Grandpa, Jerald Grevengoed; and bonus Grandma, Sandy Henrekin.

A visitation will take place at New Life Lutheran Church in Sterling on Friday, March 31, 2023 from 5pm-7pm and a funeral will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 10am at New Life with Pastor Erik Anderson officiating.

Memorials may be made in his memory to Michelle Schwarz to support her and their unborn baby.

Online condolences may be sent to www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com.