Bernard C. "Bernie" Swartz

Bernard C. Swartz, 82, of Gaylord and formerly of Sturgis, passed away February 18, 2020 at Munson Healthcare Grayling Hospital. Born on December 23, 1937 in Plainwell, MI., he was the son of Carl and Donna (Lent) Swartz.

He graduated from Otsego High School in 1956 and earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Western Michigan University in education. He taught math his entire career (mostly at Glen Oaks Community College, Centreville) and later opened and ran a successful insurance agency catering to educators. He was an excellent cook and a great mechanic. He was proud to be a founding member Phi Kappa Tau fraternity at Michigan Tech University. He was a member of the Elks in Sturgis for years.

Bernie enjoyed sports, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, motorcycling, boating, golfing, water skiing, the Detroit Tigers, car racing, bowling, telling stories, and movies. In his youth he raced ponies, outboard motorboats, and stock cars. He was a 3rd generation football player and coached football and tennis.

He is survived by his son, Andrew Swartz; daughter-in-law, Kristin Long; grandchildren, Emma Swartz and Caleb Swartz, all of Madison, WI.

He was preceded in death by his son, Martin Swartz, 1996; grandson, Christopher Prusakiewicz and sister, Linda Lavine.

At this time, the family has chosen to remember him privately. His remains will be interred at Mountain Home Cemetery in Otsego, MI. Please share your memories and personal messages with the family and his friends at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com.