April 29, 1937 - July 18, 2026
Marvin Lee Schwartz was born on April 29, 1937, in Willows,California. He enjoyed 89 wonderful years, he sadly passed from cancer on July 18, 2026. Just two months after he was told he had cancer.
Marvin loved to talk and share stories of his life. He told of his younger years growing up in California being the youngest of 6 children of Henry and Eva Schwartz. He was preceded in death by all of his siblings. Esther [Merle] Thompson, John [Janette] Schwartz, Helen [Leroy] Suess, Loraine [Art and John Quasnick] Saul, & Don Schwartz.
Marvin was blessed to have many jobs that he loved. He was in the US Air Force, Worked at Lockheed Aerojet, owned and operated Scott Valley Auto Parts and Grubstake Restaurant, to finish off his working life he returned to Lockheed Martin from 1984 to 2002,
When he retired he traveled from Florida to California in his RV. He decided to settle in Fortuna, California. He lived in his RV while his house was being built. He stopped by daily to see how things were going and made little changes. He moved into his home in 2003, and was very excited to get his backyard turned into his happy place. It was filled with antiques, bonsai trees, humming bird feeders, blueberries, little areas to sit and enjoy nature, and many trees.
Marvin enjoyed life and kept busy with his many hobbies. He played golf and met some of the famous golfers. He loved to get in his truck and go for an adventure. He was a fisherman, especially enjoyed deep sea fishing. He was kept busy in his later years watching football, golf, and Nascar on TV.
Marvin was known for wearing his bib overalls, which he is buried in. For ordering ice tea without ice. Enjoying a good meal. He was very grateful for all God had blessed him with.
He was very passionate about his genealogy research. He spent many years researching and documenting his findings. He wanted to make sure his nieces and nephews knew all about their Germans from Russia roots. He told them about their family traveling from Nebraska to Lodi, California, going to church, big family get-togethers, he shared many family recipes, and more stories. He passed down his German Sausage, dill pickle, and his favorite German dessert Grebbel recipes.
He enjoyed his last family get together in May 2026, He was so happy to see everyone, sharing stories, looking at pictures, eating specially made German desserts, and getting lots of hugs.
Marvin is survived by his nephew Steve [Lori] Schwartz who lovingly cared for him in his last months. He always said, “ Steve was the son he always wanted.” Marvin is survived by their children Carrie [Scott] Kendricks, and their son Bryson, who was Uncle Marv’s little buddy. Amy [Jeff] Lozano and their children Erik, Taylor, Nick and Lexi.
Marvin is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Lorine [Bill] Sukow, Brenda [Pete] Peterson, Rick [Susan] Thompson, Caryn Bailey, Nancy Thompson, Dave Evans,and Ken [Chris] Schwartz and all of their families. Preceded in death by his niece Diane Evans, and nephews Gary Thompson, Ron Schwartz, Larry Thompson, and Eric Schwartz. Preceded in death by Kelli Leigh Kovack, survived by her children Michael, Meigan, and Brandon.
Marvin had a strong faith in God, which helped him accept his diagnosis of stage four cancer. He wanted God to take him when it was his time to go. He knew that he would soon join his loved ones. The last few days we talked about how he was ready to go and wasn’t afraid of dying as he knew God’s love. We hugged and said I love you often. We will miss you very much Uncle Marv.
His favorite saying was...
UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN
SERVICE
A graveside service will be held at 10:00am on Friday, August 7th, 2026 at Cherokee Memorial Park, located off Highway 99 at Harney Lane, Lodi CA, 95240.
Please leave your condolences below.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Schwartz family.