Elwood G. Schwartz of Otsego, a 1942 graduate of Hopkins High School, died Wednesday, Jan. 20, in Wyoming, Mich. He was 91

He was born Feb. 28, 1924, in Sparta the son of Conrad and Clara (Kraft) Schwartz, and grew up and spent his adult life in Hopkins. As a young man he had worked doing construction in Grand Rapids until he purchased his parents’ dairy farm in 1957 and worked until his retirement in 1990.

Elwood enjoyed playing basketball and following both high school and college sports. He loved following girls’ softball and had attended almost every Hopkins High School football game. He was an avid bowler in many leagues over the years. Elwood was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Otsego.

Surviving are his children, Bette (Jim) Stewart of VA, David Schwartz of Hopkins, Shirley (Robert) Smith of VA and Cindy (Howard) Hunt of Otsego; 10 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Eleanor in 2007; son, Richard and siblings, Howard, Evelyn Brenner and Harlow.

Friends may visit with Elwood’s family from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 24, at the Winkel Funeral Home in Otsego. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 25, at Peace Lutheran Church in Otsego with Pastors Steve Otto and Andrew Martens officiating. Private family burial will take place at Maplewood Cemetery in Hopkins.

Contributions in memory of Elwood may be made to Peace Lutheran Church.

PHOTO: Elwood Schwartz was the winner of the bouquet at the annual Hopkins High School Alumni Banquet last June.