2026 Senate Resolution 146

Whereas, It was with great sorrow that the members of the Senate learned about the passing of John Joseph Henry Schwarz, affectionally known as Joe by many. He will be remembered as a dedicated public servant by his constituents in southwest central Michigan and the people of our great state; and

Whereas, Joe Schwarz was born on November 15, 1937, to Dr. Frank and Helen Schwarz. Joe Schwarz resided in Battle Creek for much of his childhood and graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1955, where he was class president. Joe Schwarz furthered his education by attending the University of Michigan, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in history in 1959. In 1964, Joe Schwarz graduated from Wayne State University with his medical degree; and

Whereas, After earning his medical degree, Joe Schwarz followed in his parents’ footsteps and joined the military, enlisting in the U.S. Navy. He served as a battalion surgeon for the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment alongside combat units in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Joe Schwarz later became Assistant Naval Attache at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia and served with the Central Intelligence Agency. During this time, he took part in several missions to help locate U.S. prisoners of war. While in Indonesia, he met his wife, Anne; and

Whereas, Joe Schwarz returned to the United States and completed a fellowship in otolaryngology in Boston. Returning to Battle Creek in 1974, he began a private practice as an ear, nose, and throat surgeon. He would serve the community in this role for over 40 years; and

Whereas, During his life, Joe Schwarz was also a dedicated public servant, serving on the local, state, and federal levels. From 1979 to 1984, Joe Schwarz served as a Battle Creek City Commissioner, and from 1984 to 1986, he was the mayor of Battle Creek. Thereafter, he was elected to the Michigan State Senate in 1986, where he served two terms for the Twentieth District and then two terms for the redrawn Twenty-fourth District; and

Whereas, During his time in the Michigan State Senate, Joe Schwarz utilized his knowledge and experience to lead a number of committees. This included serving as the chair of the Senate Committee on Education and Mental Health, as well as the Senate Appropriations subcommittees on Public Health, General Government, and Higher Education, and the Michigan Capitol Committee. He also served as vice chair of the Senate committees on Appropriations, Health Policy, and Commerce and Technology, and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Community Health. He served as a member of the Senate Appropriations subcommittees on Capital Outlay, Social Services, School Aid and Department of Education, and Regulatory, as well as the Senate committees on Technology and Energy, Commerce and Technology, and the Select Committee on Export Trade. Joe Schwarz also served on the Legislative Council, the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, the Senate Fiscal Agency Governing Board, and the Legislative Retirement Committee. Moreover, Joe Schwarz was recognized by his colleagues when he was elected the Senate President Pro Tempore in 1993. Known for his direct and practical approach, he would forge partnerships with anyone on either side of the aisle when pursuing public policy goals. He was not afraid to challenge leadership and the status quo, but always retained a sense of humor after the dust had settled; and

Whereas, In 2004, Joe Schwarz was elected to represent the Seventh Congressional District in the One Hundred-ninth Congress where he would serve one term. During his time in Congress, he worked tirelessly to ensure that the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base remained open. His efforts paid off and the base remains open to this day, something Joe Schwarz was incredibly proud of; and

Whereas, Joe Schwarz’s commitment to his community went beyond elected office. He faithfully served as a member of the Walter Reed Army Hospital Review Board, the Purple Rose Theater Board, the Brass Band of Battle Creek Board, and the board of the Michigan State Medical Society. He was a past president of the Calhoun County Medical Society, and a trustee at the University of Olivet. Additionally, he continued to practice medicine and was also a lecturer at the University of Michigan’s Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy; and

Whereas, Joe Schwarz enjoyed a great number of activities and interests in his life. He loved to go to the Big House at the University of Michigan with family members and friends to show them the campus he loved. He was an avid railroad and train enthusiast and took many rail trips across the United States; and

Whereas, Joe Schwarz enjoyed spending time with his family, which included his wife, Anne Louise Ennis, who has preceded Joe Schwarz in death. Together they raised their daughter, Brennan Schwarz. His family ultimately expanded to include two grandchildren. He was always happy to watch his grandchildren’s football games, swim meets, dance competitions, and school productions; and

Whereas, Upon Joe Schwarz’s passing, we offer our condolences to his loved ones. His contributions to this chamber and the State of Michigan will be remembered; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That we offer this expression of our highest tribute to honor the memory of Joe Schwarz, a member of the Michigan Senate from 1987 to 2002; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Schwarz family as evidence of our lasting esteem for his memory.