Milford G. "Miff" Schwitz, age 79 of Monroe, died Saturday, June 6, at his home. He was born June 10, 1929, in Orangeville, IL; son of Leslie and Mary (Morris) Schwitz. Milford graduated from Orangeville High School in 1947. He served in the National Guard and in the United States Air Force in Korea and Japan during the Korean Police Action. After the war, Milford was a member of the Monroe Police Department and a Deputy Sheriff of Green County. Miff married Jo Ann Zwygart Kane on June 8, 1960, in Monroe; and was the proud father of her two children, whom he adopted, and their daughter Becky.
Miff was a graduate of Green County Teachers College and eventually received a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin- Platteville and an M.A. from the University of South Dakota. He began his teaching career at Richland, a country school just east of Monroe, taught in several other school districts, then spent 26 years in the Montello, WI school system, first as principal and later as high school guidance counselor. While in Montello, he was a member of the Rotary Club and served as a city alderman and, after retirement, on the Montello School Board. He was a life member of the V.F.W. After returning to Monroe in 1998, he became a member of American Legion Post 84 and a volunteer at the National Historic Cheesemaking Center.
Miff enjoyed traveling and spending time with his friends and family. He also loved to reminisce about his days as a basketball coach, a Boy Scout troop leader, and the time spent growing up and working on the dairy farm with his family. He was very fond of telling stories and jokes, especially puns. Most of all, he loved being with the very special children in his life, his beloved Kate, sweet Zachary, and sparkling Isabella.
Survivors include his wife, Jo Ann Schwitz of Monroe; son, Michael (Ann) Schwitz or Madison; 2 daughters Elizabeth (Rick) Kenitz of Indianola, IA and Rebekah (Cosmo) Andoloro of Wheeling, IL; 3 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren; a sister, Mary Schulz of Monroe, many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and two brothers: Ruth (Floyd) French, Yvonne Shippy and Edith (Vernon) Elmer, Robert, and John.
A visitation will he held Tuesday evening from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. at the funeral home. A memorial service officiated by Rev. Gretchen Sylvester will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 10, 2009, at Shriner-Hager-Gohlke funeral home. A memorial fund is being established in Miff's name.
Miff was a graduate of Green County Teachers College and eventually received a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin- Platteville and an M.A. from the University of South Dakota. He began his teaching career at Richland, a country school just east of Monroe, taught in several other school districts, then spent 26 years in the Montello, WI school system, first as principal and later as high school guidance counselor. While in Montello, he was a member of the Rotary Club and served as a city alderman and, after retirement, on the Montello School Board. He was a life member of the V.F.W. After returning to Monroe in 1998, he became a member of American Legion Post 84 and a volunteer at the National Historic Cheesemaking Center.
Miff enjoyed traveling and spending time with his friends and family. He also loved to reminisce about his days as a basketball coach, a Boy Scout troop leader, and the time spent growing up and working on the dairy farm with his family. He was very fond of telling stories and jokes, especially puns. Most of all, he loved being with the very special children in his life, his beloved Kate, sweet Zachary, and sparkling Isabella.
Survivors include his wife, Jo Ann Schwitz of Monroe; son, Michael (Ann) Schwitz or Madison; 2 daughters Elizabeth (Rick) Kenitz of Indianola, IA and Rebekah (Cosmo) Andoloro of Wheeling, IL; 3 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren; a sister, Mary Schulz of Monroe, many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and two brothers: Ruth (Floyd) French, Yvonne Shippy and Edith (Vernon) Elmer, Robert, and John.
A visitation will he held Tuesday evening from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. at the funeral home. A memorial service officiated by Rev. Gretchen Sylvester will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 10, 2009, at Shriner-Hager-Gohlke funeral home. A memorial fund is being established in Miff's name.