Merton L. "Red" Schwartz, 85, of Eau Claire died Wednesday, November 2, 2005, at Luther Hospital. He was born in Eau Claire on November 8, 1919, the son of William and Tena (Larson) Schwartz.\r\nHe was stationed in Burma and India with the U. S. Air Force during World War II until his honorable discharge in September 1945.\r\nMerton married Coletta M. Kopplin on May 23, 1946 at Sacred Heart Church. \r\nHe worked in the lumber business all of his life, first being affiliated with Wisconsin Pipe&Fuel Company for over 30 years, then with Midwest Manufacturers of Menards, Inc., retiring as credit manager when he was age 65. Red founded Schwartz Apartments in the late 1940's, which continues to be family operated today. He had an exceptional work ethic and was known for his honesty. Red enjoyed carpenter work and helped build many homes in the Eau Claire area.\r\nIn his younger years, Red helped out many elderly neighbors and relatives giving of his own time willingly and freely. He was a family man that always put his wife and kids first.....we'll miss you Dad.\r\nSurvivors include his wife, Coletta; two sons, David (Sue) of Eau Claire and James of Lakeville, MN; four grandchildren, James (Kris), Michael, Lindsay and Regan Schwartz; a great grandson, Gregory Schwartz; and many nieces and nephews.\r\nHe was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, including his twin Merle, Donald, Clarence and William; a sister, Lorraine Ward; three nephews, William Schwartz, Robert Schwartz and Gregory Dumond; and a niece Geraldine Ward.\r\nFuneral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, November 7, 2005, at Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral Home with Chaplin Resident Craig D. Sauk officiating. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery where VFW Post #305 will conduct military graveside rites. Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral Home and one hour prior to services on Monday at the funeral home.\r\n \r\n

Service Information