Joseph Brian Schwanitz made his transition peacefully from this world Wednesday, March 1, following complications from a stroke.  He was surrounded by his loving family and left us in the arms of his Lord, after having received the last sacrament.

Joe was the fourth of six children born to George and May (Clancy) Schwanitz in Port Austin, Michigan on March 19, 1930, raised on the family farm and graduated from Bad Axe High School where he played varsity sports. He married his adoring wife of 66 years, Barbara Jean Titus on February 3, 1951 in Detroit Michigan, having met her at the Pointe Aux Barques Hotel the summer before.  Joe worked for the Detroit Edison Company for 39 ½ years, starting at the Conner's Creek plant and transferring to the newly built Saint Clair plant in 1953, living in Marine City where he and Barb made their home while raising 5 children: Joan, Brian, Susan, Mary Kay and Kevin.

Joe was an avid gardener, cook, Mr. Fix-it and golfer and loved to play at the Bird Creek Golf Course where he was a founding member.  He often volunteered here keeping up the grounds but also volunteered at Habitat for Humanity and was a member of Lion's Club and Knights of Columbus for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara and his five children: Joan (Phil) Richardson, Brian (Marylinn) Schwanitz, Susan (Steve) Timms, Mary Kay (Paul) Gwinn and Kevin (Pauline) Schwanitz.  Also surviving are his eleven grandchildren:  Dan and Jeff (Kelly) Richardson, Erin (Bear) Heiser, Allyson (Jason) Patterson, Christopher Schwanitz, Meredith (Trent) Staggers, Emily (Danilo Rodrigues) Gwinn, Caitlin (Dane) Vermeulen, Kyle (Hannah), Ryan and Erika Schwanitz.

He is also survived by three great grandchildren:  Peyton and Emma Patterson and Charlotte Heiser, and three on the way, as well as his Brother Michael Schwanitz.  He was preceded in death by his siblings: Mary Ellen Heybor, Terrence, George, and Patrick Schwanitz.

A funeral mass will be at 11:00 AM on Monday, March 6 at Saint Michaels Catholic Church in Port Austin. Visitation will be on Sunday afternoon from 2 PM – 6 PM at the Knoblock Funeral Home, 5720 N Van Dyke Rd, Kinde and at the church from 10:00 am until the time of Mass at 11:00 am.  Burial will follow in St. Michael's Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation, in his name, to either the American Heart Association or the American Stroke Association.