Lawrence Oscar Schwarz

In His wisdom and mercy, God called Larry Schwarz home to himself on January 1, 2024 at the age of 91.  Lawrence Oscar Schwarz was born in Eden, Idaho on June 26, 1932 to TJ (Ted) and Alma Schwarz and grew up on the family farm, one of 7 siblings surrounded by multiple aunts, uncles and cousins. He was baptized into the Body of Christ on July 4, 1932 at Trinity Lutheran Church and attended Trinity Lutheran School. He graduated from Trinity and was confirmed in 1946. From there, he went to Portland, Oregon and attended high school at Concordia Academy where he excelled in all things athletic before graduating in1950. After a stint in the army at Ft. Lewis, WA where he quickly achieved the rank of sergeant, he returned to Idaho and worked for his brother-in-law, Herman Martens. In 1956, he moved back to Portland to attend Concordia College, graduating in 1958. He was a multi-sport athlete and one of the finest pitchers in Concordia history. He played semi-professional baseball and made a trip to Shreveport to the Chicago Cubs training camp, but soon returned home. He was eventually named the Concordia baseball representative of the 1950’s decade in 2012 and participated in the dedication of their new stadium.  While at Concordia, he met Anna Simantel through her brother Marcus, who was his roommate and baseball teammate. They were married October 19, 1958 and lived in Portland until relocating to Idaho in early 1960 to resume farm life.  Larry continued to be an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Eden. He sang in the choir and served as chairman of the congregation as well as elder for many years. Larry and Anna’s life centered on the church and the many friends and relatives who were part of their church family. He taught high school Sunday School and also served as a youth group sponsor. He was a frequent welcome visitor to shut-ins and shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ whenever he could. Many family members and church members requested his singing voice for weddings and funerals. He taught himself to play the ukulele and was known for his “dad” jokes and frequently repeated quotes and sayings. He was well known to the Magic Valley Church Softball League and played pitcher until he retired from softball at the age of 60. Not one to sit idle, after he retired from the farm in 2002 he continued to work various jobs when needed, including custodian at the church until well into his 80’s. He also kept busy throughout his life volunteering with Lutheran Hour Ministries and the Gideons, holding office in both organizations. Eventually, Larry and Anna sold the farmhouse and moved to Twin Falls.  After Anna’s death in October of 2022, Larry moved into Grace Assisted Living in Twin Falls where he was a favorite with staff members and other residents, known to serenade them until his heart and lungs no longer allowed it.  He is survived by his children Julie Bedard of Beaverton, OR, Todd (Shaun) and Doug (Kay) Schwarz of Twin Falls and Brett (Sara) Schwarz of Boise. He was a proud and loving grandfather of Jana, Brock (Kristin) and Micah (Mary) Bedard, Caleb Schwarz, Keri (Calvin) Green, Andrew Schwarz and Myale and Devyn Schwarz. Larry enjoyed receiving photos and videos of his great-grandchildren, Miles, Stella, and Brooks Bedard.  In addition to his children, Larry is survived by his sister Florence Lutz, of Kendrick, WA. He was loved by numerous nieces, nephews and friends from the communities he served who mourn his loss. “Atta boy, Luther!”  A funeral service will be held at a later date.  Memorials may be made to Lutheran Hour Ministries (lhm.org) or the Gideons (gideons.org). The family is grateful for the care provided Larry during his final year at Grace Assisted Living and more recently by Hospice Visions.