On Christmas Eve, December 24th, 2023, Joel Michael Schwartz, beloved husband of Mary and father of Dan (Mikyung), David (Janice), Debbie (Cas) Knies, Steven (Amy) and Jon (Marisa) passed away. Joel was born November 29th, 1938 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Jack and Edith (Slusser) Schwartz. He moved to Los Angeles, California at a young age. Joel graduated from University High School in Los Angeles. Joel was mechanically inclined and shortly after graduation, he served in the Air Force as a mechanic at Dover AFB, Delaware. After military service, he completed his education at Los Angeles Technical College. He had a special love for cars which led him to several jobs including new car prep work at Walker Burge Ford in West Los Angeles and later as an instructor at Volkswagen of America in Culver City, California.

Joel joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a young adult. He married Mary Elizabeth Seitz April 23, 1965 in the Los Angeles Temple. Joel and Mary moved with their family to Salt Lake City in 1991 where Joel worked for Dollar Rental Car at the airport. Joel also helped with the family business, American Research Bureau. Joel was a kind man with a giving spirit. He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many church callings in California and in Utah, including Ward Clerk several times and as a Bishop.

Joel will be missed by his wife and family, including 26 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by his sister, Diane Harvey, and brother, Bill Schwartz, both of California; a sister-in-law, Shirley James, of Florida; as well as several nieces and nephews. Joel was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Edith Schwartz, and by a young sister, Karen. A private funeral service will be held with burial at Holladay City Cemetery. May God be with you until we meet again. To share condolences with the family, please visit https://www.memorialutah.com/obituarties/schwartz-joel

Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 28, 2023 at 11:00 a.m., at Memorial Holladay-Cottonwood Mortuary, 4670 S. Highland Dr, Holladay, UT with a viewing from 10:00-10:45 a.m. Interment will be at Memorial Holladay Cemetery.