Rudy Schwarz, 80, Lincolnshire, IL

Rudiger “Rudy” Schwarz, 80, of Lincolnshire, IL passed away on January 5, 2022.

Rudy was the loving and doting husband to Lorrie who passed away two months prior; father to Jacqueline Curtis (Chris); grandfather to Andrew Curtis and Christina Curtis; sister to Ingeborg Winkler; and uncle to Daniel Winkler and Randy Bruhn.

Rudy resided in the area since he came to the United States in 1975. He soon met Lorrie and Jackie and his life instantly changed forever. Born and raised in Potsdam, Germany, which would become part of East Germany post WWII, Rudy lived in Potsdam, Germany; West Berlin, Germany; Canada and then in the Chicago suburbs as well as having a second home in Naples, Florida.

Rudy was often described as being able to do anything. With an education in mechanical engineering and having a strong financial sense, Rudy applied his skills throughout his professional life with a diverse path. He managed the operations and purchasing for women’s clothing and textiles for five fashion houses in Germany. His entrepreneurial spirit was clear when he opened his own beauty salon in Canada. He was a facilities and production manager for a Hallmark plant in Canada. He co-owned a greeting card manufacturing company in Chicago where he managed the company’s financials and the physical operations, including building and maintaining all the machinery in the factory. Rudy was often seen in the factory fixing a machine, getting grease on his dress pants and shirt. He grew his company and employed dozens of people who all loved working side by side with him.

Rudy was soft spoken, gentle and reserved. If you did not pay close attention, you probably missed something very funny. He was warm and kind. Everyone who met Rudy immediately gravitated to him. Whether it was the CEO of the bank he was meeting with, or the factory worker he was working alongside, or the random person he met at a restaurant, everyone loved Rudy. This indescribable quality was immediately recognized by every dog that ever encountered him. It is a toss-up as to whether Rudy loved dogs more or whether dogs loved Rudy more. There is no denying that he was a true dog whisperer.

The only thing that Rudy loved more than dogs was his family. His love for his wife, daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren were everything. They were his purpose in life. The love he had for them was immeasurable. The love he received from them was often paralyzing for him.

This kind and generous man will be missed by many. But he is now reunited in heaven with his wife of 44 years.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 10 at 11:00 am at St. Patrick Church (Little Church), 991 Waukegan Road, Lake Forest, IL. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be to JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Funding) at jdrf.org. Info: Wenban Funeral Home, (847) 234-0022 or www.wenbanfh.com