Michael “Whistle” Schwartz

Michael “Whistle” Schwartz, 66, of Winamac, passed away at 3:31 a.m., Monday, April 14 at I.U. Health Arnett Hospital in Lafayette.

Born on April 2, 1959 in Chicago, Illinois, he was the son of the late Bernard and Phyllis (Bartgen) Schwartz.

Whistle was a farm hand, handy man and a jack-of-all-trades. Whistle never liked to be in the spotlight. He was a man of few words, but his one-liners will never be forgotten. His nieces and nephews were never called by their real names, he had goofy nicknames for all of them.

He was a member of the Winamac Eagles #2580 and enjoyed helping others, farming and spending time on the river. He never missed a bonfire, and he knew he never needed an invitation to join one. At family get-togethers he was there one minute and the next minute he had ventured off to somewhere else. He had a free spirit and lived life on his own terms. Whistle will be sadly missed by his family and friends and all who knew him. 

 Survivors include son Dustin Salzer; granddaughter Madison Salzer; grandson Brody Salzer; brothers: John [Anita] Lasanowski, William Michael [Faye] Voight, Bernard [Traci] Schwartz Jr., Daniel “Dino” Schwartz, Terry [fiancé: Amy] Schwartz, Randy Schwartz and Rodney [Joleen] Schwartz; sisters: Felicia Emigh, Brenda Grimmett, Pat [John] Wawrzyniec, Cathy [John] Fritz, Theresa Schwartz and Janet Schwartz. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents: Bernard and Phyllis Schwartz; infant brother Wayne Schwartz; brothers: Bernard Voight and Larry Schwartz; sister Jean Schwartz; and brother-in-law Don Grimmett. 

A celebration of life service will be on Sunday, April 27 from 2-6 p.m., at the Winamac Eagles #2580.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Winamac Eagles #2580 to be used for the Angel Tree, for the love that Whistle had for children. 

Whistle’s online guestbook is available, and condolences can be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

(Pulaski County Journal — April 23, 2025)