John Fred Schiwitz

John “Fred” Schiwitz

Fred Schiwitz, son of the late Arthur Schiwitz and Mildred (Stuckey) Schiwitz was born on June 14, 1955 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri and departed his life on Friday, March 6, 2026 at Clearview Nursing Center in Sikeston, Missouri at the age of 70 years.

Fred was raised on a farm near Commerce, Missouri where work was a priority. Between crops and the farm animals, there was always a task to be completed. Fred was a 1973 graduate of Thomas W. Kelly High School. He often challenged the teacher, charmed the girls, and joked with the guys. Fred proudly served as FFA president his senior year. Upon completion of high school, Fred served in the U.S. Army. Following his service time, Fred worked for the Laborers' Union and the Boilermakers Union. Fred also worked at the Scott County Sheriff’s Department.

Additionally, Fred worked in the food industry for many years. He was a food services manager at the Toledo, Ohio airport and also worked with the Little Caesar's corporation. During his time with Pizza Hut, he received the Regional Supervisor Award in 1985. For those that may remember, when Fred returned to southeast Missouri, he brought the little red car salad bar to Bernardo’s Pizza in Benton. In his later working years, Fred genuinely enjoyed working for Mr. Joe Bellis which allowed him to travel across the United States installing communications towers, and learning about electrical engineering from Mr. Bellis.

Survivors include one daughter, Rachel (Bobby) Crumbey of Keyesport, Illinois; three brothers, Arthur "Bud" (Brenda) Schiwitz, Robert (Dianne) Schiwitz, and Kenny (Beverly) Schiwitz; by three sisters, Barbara (Fred) Cook, Jane Lambert, and Susan Nolan.

Fred is also survived by three grandsons, Bobby Lee Crumbey, Michael (Ema Kelly) Crumbey, and Zachary Crumbey, all of Illinois. In addition, Fred is survived by three great-grandchildren, Riley, Bennett, and Lyla.

Fred was a proud uncle to 7 nieces, 3 nephews, 11 great-nephews, and 7 great-nieces. He was always quick to bring a smile to their faces with a cute joke or comment.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers-in-law, Dennis Lambert and Mike Nolan.

The family would like to thank the entire staff of Clearview Nursing Center and Crown Hospice for the wonderful care he received.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2026 from 9:30 until 11:00 AM at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Benton, Missouri. Graveside service will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. at Unity Baptist Cemetery in Benton.

Online Condolences: www.amick-burnetfuneralchapels.com