Leslie "Les" H. Schwartz Jr.

Leslie Herman “Les” Schwartz Jr., 92, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 30, 2026, surrounded by his family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, mentor, outdoorsman, volunteer, and friend, Les lived a life marked by resilience, generosity, adventure, and an unwavering love for those around him.

Born and raised in Wausau on June 7, 1934, to Leslie Herman Schwartz Sr. and Eleanor Effie Randall, Les graduated in 1952 from Wausau High School.

After graduating high school, Les worked at Midland Co-op before he chose to spend many years at Furniture & ApplianceMart, where he formed lifelong friendships and was known for his strong work ethic, kindness, and willingness to help others. He often credited his years there with teaching him valuable lessons about leadership and life. When he wasn't busy with his day job, worrying his days about fixing appliances…he spent 58 years devoting all of that spare time to the ski patrol (Give or take a few when he broke his neck once, the only time he fell....''allegedly'').

On December 21, 1974, Les married Marian, they had 52 years loving each other. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, laughter, and service, Marian stepping in to help raise his six young children and standing beside one another through every joy and challenge. Through years of volunteering with the ski patrol, celebrating children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and caring for each other through life's hardships, their love remained constant.

An accomplished skier and dedicated volunteer, Les devoted countless hours to the Granite Peak Ski Patrol, also becoming a leader by helping develop 9 Mile, qualifying for the Boston Marathon at the young age of 70, he has rightfully earned the nickname "King of the Mountain." Whether patrolling the slopes, mentoring new members, or bicycling up and down the hill for a light sweat, he quietly led by example and inspired those around him.

Family was always his greatest priority. He rarely missed a ball game, ski race, recital, concert, graduation, or milestone, proudly cheering from the sidelines. He loved sharing his passions with the next generation, teaching every grandchild to ski—many before the age of three—and introducing them to fishing, hockey, canoeing, and a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors.

More than anything, Les will be remembered for the way he loved generously, encouraged others, and celebrated every stage of life alongside them. His legacy lives on through the people he inspired, the traditions he created, and the family he cherished above all else.

Les is survived by his beloved wife, Marian; his children, Pat (Shiela) Schwartz, Deb (Phil) Plautz, Karen (Joe) Theiler, and Mike Schwartz; his grandchildren, Jessica (Kyle) Wagner, Mackenzie (Mitchel) Johnson, Nathan (Lauren) Plautz, and Noah Plautz; and his great-grandchildren, Wyatt Wagner, Amelia Wagner, Myles Johnson and Maizy Johnson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie Herman Schwartz Sr. and Eleanor Effie Randle; his sons, David and Steven Schwartz; and his siblings.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to his nurse Hank and the Compassus Hospice team, Linda and the staff at Cedar Creek Manor, Mel and everyone at Eagle's Nest, and the many friends and family members whose kindness and support brought comfort during Les's final days.

A visitation at Peterson/Kramer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau, will be held from 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Monday, August 10, 2026. A Celebration of Life will follow with some memories and reflections by his son, Mike. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent in honor of Les Schwartz to Granite Peak Ski Patrol, ATTN: Chris Dragosh, 227200 Snow Bird Avenue, Wausau, WI 54401.

Another great article about his passion for the great outdoors:

https://thecitypages.com/stories/king-of-the-mountain,216391