Joseph Stewart Schwitzke

Born October 24th, 1943 in Detroit Michigan to George Anthony and Mary Elizabeth. He moved to Washington with his family in 1961.

He married in 1973 and just celebrated 40 years of marriage. He was a machinist/Blue collar worker who retired from Boeing. As a young boy he was an alter server and grew up in the church attending catholic school (Sacred Heart, Roseville Michigan). He was still active right before he passed with his church Holy Family of Auburn Washington as a Eucharistic minister.

He enjoyed all outdoor activities including camping, fishing, golfing, and garage saling. He loved ice skating on his neighbors pond as a kid and would fish the St Claire River with his big brother. Joseph always put his family first that was one of the reasons he moved out here to Washington.

He is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Patricia, Sons; Anthony (Kayleen), Timmy (Angie), Todd (Jen), and Johnny. Daughters; Patti, and Melissa (Brett).

Siblings; Gerald (Roseann), Helena (Tom), Carol (Jerry), and Laura (Matt). 13 grandchildren; Dani (Chris), JJ, Michelle, Deanna, Tyler, Erik, Cassie, Brittany, Brandon, Sydney, Drake, Kayden, Tanner, and 5 great-grandchildren; Ava, Tucker, Alekzander, Jacob, and Annabelle. Also he loved his nieces and nephews as if they were his own children. He had many, many, many friends whom he also considered as family, especially his next door neighbor girls who showed immense support in his illness. He loved God and Church and had lots of close friends at church. Sunday games with his boys watching Seahawks or taking his kids to a Mariners game were an often occasion. Talking/texting sports and T.V. shows with his daughters over the phone happened daily. Family and family functions were some of his favorite activities, you could always find him standing behind the grill in jeans and a t-shirt at the Memorial Day picnic every year, or dressed up in his Sunday best attending mass, baptisms, family weddings and funerals, or in a muddy sweatshirt playing football on Thanksgiving morning with his kids. I cannot express enough how much he was family oriented. He always included as many family members as possible in all functions. He welcomed friends with open arms when traveling on vacation. He will truly be missed and has touched so many hearts.

Viewing and vigil will be held August 7th 5pm-8pm @ Price-Helton Funeral Home in Auburn, WA.

Funeral services will be held on August 8th 11am @ Holy Family Parish 505 17th St. SE Auburn, WA.