Michael G. Schwitz , longtime resident of Stockton, died on Christmas Day at FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport.  He was 64.

Born in Freeport on May 26, 1956, he is one of six children of Kathryn L. (Francis) Schwitz and the late Lyle R. Schwitz.  Mike grew up in Stockton, graduating from Stockton High School.  As a boy he developed a love for working with his hands, which stayed with him throughout his life.  He liked to use his erector set and even once used the wires from his model train on the metal air register so he could create sparks and "weld".

While in high school, Mike went to work for Atwood Automotive, and continued to work there for over 40 years.  He was a talented Tool and Die Maker, and really enjoyed his work.  Mike also served on the town council and was an EMT for Stockton Ambulance for a number of years.

At home, Mike enjoyed tinkering around the house with any number of repair projects he had going.  He would go over to his folk's house and help out with anything they needed done.  He also assisted with the construction of the Stockton Veterans Memorial.

Outside of his work and home, Mike enjoyed traveling.  He especially enjoyed trips to Florida in his younger years to visit his sister and brother-in-law.  Maine was another place near to Mike's heart.  He enjoyed sitting on the rocky coast watching the waves of the Atlantic crashing on the shore or sitting at the top of Cadillac Mountain watching the clouds float by.

Mike had a love of aviation, and space exploration.  He was fascinated with both and was very excited when he got a satellite dish and could finally get the Nasa Channel.  He never missed calling his family letting them know about a shuttle launch or something interesting happening in space.  He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing a round of golf or two.

He will be deeply missed by those who loved him.

Mike was the beloved son of Kathryn Schwitz and the late Lyle Schwitz.  Husband of Cathleen (Scholbrock) Schwitz.  Loving brother of Marybeth (Tom) Linden of The Villages, FL, Marsha Schwitz of Stockton, Mark (Soukheng) Schwitz of Cumming, GA, and the late Vicky and Robert Schwitz.  Proud uncle of Eric (Regina) Schwitz and daughter Olivia of Melrose, MA, Megan Schwitz of Stockton, Nicole Linden (Paul DiPalma) of Sarasota, FL, Daniel (Aline) Linden of St. Petersburg, FL, Nathan, Nolan, and Chloe Schwitz of Cumming, GA.

The Funeral Mass for Mike will be private.  Arrangements are under the care of Hermann Funeral Home, Stockton.