Jared Thomas Schwert

Jared T. Schwert, age 47, passed away on June 12, 2024, after a brief battle with illness. Jared was unique, and could be described, as his favorite author Hunter S. Thompson once wrote, as “one of God’s own prototypes, not even considered for mass production.” He possessed a distinctive sense of humor, well-known to his friends and his beloved wife of 12 years, Melissa, whom he affectionately called MK. As a musician, he played bass in various bands with the rhythms of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and proudly flew the Van Halen flag. Band practice, Lambeau Field, and Packer Sundays were sacred to him. His imagination extended to the far reaches of space, where he bonded with friends through gaming Battlestar Galactica.

An animal lover, Jared doted on his many pets, including dog Lucy and more recently, two cats named Jake and Ellie (aka the Blues Kittens). In his youth he was a three sport all conference star for the Middleton Cardinals’ class of 1995. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from UW Madison and later completed a Master’s of Education. Jared remained gregarious and loyal, forging lasting friendships. Throughout his life, he lived by the credo “Buy the Ticket, Take the Ride,” fearlessly pursuing his passions. He will be deeply missed by his lifelong friends, Cris, Mick, Joel, and Mark.

Jared was preceded in death by his father, Richard, and is survived by wife Melissa, mother Joy, brother Justin (Katherine), niece Juniper, uncle Terry Harris (Susie), and cousins Tesa and Katelin. Friends and family are invited to celebrate Jared’s life on Saturday, July 13, from 1:00pm to 5:00pm at the UW Madison Memorial Union. Check the Union event schedule on arrival for room information. Instead of flowers, note that Jared would probably not have appreciated them very much, so please consider donating to the Red Cross or your favorite local animal shelter.