U.S. and Michigan flags will be lowered to half-staff on Saturday, June 6, to coincide with the funeral for former U.S. Rep. Joe Schwarz, who passed away in May.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered U.S. and Michigan flags across the state to be lowered to half-staff on Saturday to honor Schwarz.
“Michigan lost a leader and a hero, Dr. Joe Schwarz,” Whitmer said in a release. “Joe was not only a mentor but a friend. A proud Wolverine, he offered rivalry on game days and laughs on tough days. He led a life of service and embodied everything that makes our state so special.
Schwarz, who was 88, died May 27, 2026. Schwarz’s wife, Anne, also has passed away.
“He was a reminder that we can sit on different sides of the aisle — and even cheer for opposing teams — yet still find common ground serving the people of Michigan. As a physician, a professor, and a representative, Joe led a life that put people first. My condolences go out to his family and loved ones,” Whitmer said.
Visitation for Schwarz takes place Friday afternoon at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home, 105 Capital Ave. NE in Battle Creek. The funeral Mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, June 6, at St. Philip Catholic Church, 112 Capital Ave. NE in Battle Creek. He’ll be buried at Memorial Park Cemetery in Battle Creek.
Schwarz was a Battle Creek Central High School graduate and attended the University of Michigan, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in history.
In 2007, Schwarz returned to the University of Michigan as a professor for the Ford School of Public Policy. He was an ear, nose, and throat doctor, earning his Doctor of Medicine degree from Wayne State University.
Schwarz served as a Navy battalion surgeon with the Marines.
In politics, Schwarz served as mayor of Battle Creek, 16 years as a state senator, and one term in Congress.
He was chair of the Michigan Senate Appropriations Higher Education Subcommittee.
Here’s what to know about how to properly lower flags.
Why are the U.S. and Michigan flags flying at half-staff on June 6?
Flags will fly at half-staff to honor former Michigan senator and U.S. representative Joe Schwarz, who died on May 27.
Who was Joe Schwarz?
Schwarz was born Nov. 15, 1937, in Chicago. His family later moved to Fort Custer near Battle Creek.
Schwarz graduated from Battle Creek Central High School. He attended the University of Michigan, earning a degree in history in 1959. He went on to medical school at Wayne State University and then interned at Los Angeles County Hospital, his obituary says.
He joined the Navy and served in Vietnam with the Marines as a battalion surgeon.
Later, he was selected for diplomatic duty and became Assistant Naval Attache at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia, and served with the Central Intelligence Agency.
Schwarz was elected to the Battle Creek City Commission and became mayor in 1984.
In 1986 he ran for the Michigan Senate, serving 16 years in office. He rose to president pro tempore of the Senate and chaired the Higher Education Sub-Committee.
In 2004, he ran for Congress and was seated in the 109th Congress in January 2005.
Where should U.S. and Michigan flags be flown at half-staff on June 6?
U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex, and all public buildings and grounds will be flown at half-staff.
Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments, and other organizations are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.
How long should flags fly at half-staff?
Flags should be flown at half-staff until sunset on June 6.
How to correctly fly your flag at half-staff
On days when the flag is flown at half-staff, it should first be raised “briskly” to the top of the pole for an instant and then lowered slowly to the half-staff position, according to the U.S. Flag Code.
Before lowering the flag, it should again be raised to the top before being lowered for the day.
Do flags fly at half-mast or half-staff?
On ships and at naval stations ashore, flags are flown at half-mast.
On shore, flags are flown at half-staff.
Which days are Michigan and U.S. flags lowered?
State officials announce which days to fly Michigan and U.S. flags at half-staff online. You also can sign up for notifications about flag honors.
The flag is always lowered to half-staff on the following days by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer:
When flags are lowered to half staff, Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments, and other organizations are encouraged to display the flag at half staff.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Why are flags at half-staff? How to fly flag to honor state senator
Reporting by Dan Basso, USA TODAY NETWORK / Lansing State Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Dan Basso, USA TODAY NETWORK | USA TODAY Network
