Steven Schwartz

Wasilla resident Steven Schwartz, 52, passed away Oct. 23, 2014, on his way to work in Anchorage. A memorial service is at 4 p.m., Nov. 2 at Church on the Rock, Mile 45.5, Parks Highway in Wasilla.

Steve was born Feb. 4, 1962, in Massachusetts to Richard and Carolyn Schwartz, both deceased. Steve spent most of his growing up years in Pennsylvania with his family. He attended Wilson High School and was very involved in the music department. His special love was playing the tuba in the Wilson High School Marching Band. Steve also attended West Chester University, Penn State and Lancaster Bible College. He continued his education at University of Alaska Anchorage where he received an Associate of Arts degree in 2004.

Steve worked in Pennsylvania at Maiers Bakery where he excelled for 15 years. After moving to Alaska in the year 2000, Steve worked as a sales consultant for Alsco from 2001 until the time of his death. Steve received numerous awards for his top performance in Alsco including the Outstanding Performance award for ‘Winners Circle,’ Alsco’s most prestigious award, for seven years.

Steve was a gifted musician and excelled in numerous forms of the art. He was an avid tuba player and performer, accomplished pianist and gifted vocalist. Steve was fond of the classical arts, symphony, jazz and had a long love affair with the Beatles. One of Steve’s great passions in life was leading worship with his wife, Lianne.

Steve was brilliant, well versed in many subjects including sports, cars and especially Jewish History and Christian Theology. In 1988 Steve, born of Jewish faith, had a profound encounter with his Messiah and became a Christian. Steve once said, “26 years ago today, Jesus gently answered all of my questions, longings and fears of how a Jew could believe in Jesus. I read the Gospel of John and my world has never been the same. The One who was pierced for my transgressions found me, the One who bore my iniquities offered me the way, the truth and the life. He made peace with me. I was instantly filled with His love. I was born again by God.” Steve had a lifelong desire to visit Israel, but instead he is now walking the streets of the New Jerusalem.

For the last 2 1/2 years Steve along with his wife Lianne led Sunday church services at Wasilla Senior Center, preaching weekly with life-changing passion. His ability to teach with a Jewish perspective was inspiring an invaluable.

Steve was passionate about family. His is survived by his wife, Lianne, whom he loved deeply; his five children and stepfather, Naomi, Rueben, Hanna, Christopher and Heidi; and he left behind a beautiful legacy to 11 grandchildren; and two siblings with whom he shared many memories of life on the East Coast, David and Sue Schwartz.