Charles Lee "Chuck" Schwartz

   Charles Lee Schwartz passed away peacefully in Doughtery Hospice house on March 9th, 2024 in Sioux Falls after a 3-month battle with acute myeloid leukemia.

   Charles was born February 8th, 1948 to Evelyn and Kenneth (Kelly) Schwartz in Hot Springs, South Dakota. At the age of ten he moved to Rapid City. He graduated from Rapid City High School in 1966 and then attended Black Hills State college, graduating in 1970 with a bachelor of Science in Education. Because teaching jobs were scarce that fall, he took a job as a social worker in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, which changed the course of his life.  This is where he discovered his love of social work.  He obtained a Masters in Social work in 1975 from the University of Nebraska in Omaha, and later received a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of South Dakota. He spent 30 years as a social work professor and later as chair of the department. His love of teaching was evident and he reveled in guiding students into the career of social work.

    Chuck married Barbara Chell in 1973 in Rapid City, South Dakota. They had two children, Matthew born in 1976 and Mara born in 1980. Being a husband and father were his proudest accomplishments. 

     Chuck was a life-long musician and music lover. He played with many bands but his position as a bass player with Bluff Ridge Band was one of his most treasured.  The other members of the band were not only band mates, but became close friends as well. He also volunteered at the Vermillion Welcome Table, which was true to his nature of helping others.

     Chuck was proceeded in death by his parents, Evelyn and Kelly Schwartz, his in-laws Lillian and George Chell, and his brother-in-law, KR Hill. He is survived by his wife Barbara, his son Matthew Schwartz (Sioux Falls), daughter Mara Prepetit (NYC), sister Margene Hill (Lewis, Iowa), sister and brother-in-law law Bob and Carole Chell (Sioux Falls), Sister-in-law law Margaret Kolden (Minneapolis, MN) and many loving nieces and nephews.  Memorials may be directed to Vermillion Welcome Table.