Mayville, WI – It was June 22, 2022, when a driver was texting and crashed into the vehicle ahead of him in the Town of Richfield, Wi. That incident killed a mother, her young son, and her unborn baby. The driver who was texting was sentenced to 3 years jail with Huber privileges. This month, Casey Schwartz of Hartford, WI, who lost his family in that crash is featured in a DOT commercial as April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
In the wake of this unimaginable loss, Schwartz found himself at a crossroads, torn between the grief of losing his wife and son, and the desire to make a difference, to raise awareness, to prevent such tragedy from befalling others.
Schwartz shared his painful journey in a Department of Transportation (DOT) commercial that encourages people to think twice before picking up their phone while behind the wheel.
But this wasn’t just a commercial for Schwartz; it was a chance to fulfill a greater purpose and honor the memory of his loved ones.
The pain of losing his family in such a preventable way was only amplified when he learned that the driver who caused the crash received minimal punishment. The legal system, in Schwartz’s eyes, failed to deliver the justice his family deserved. The driver was convicted of negligent homicide, but the penalties were far less severe than what would have been imposed had he been drunk behind the wheel. The disappointment in the justice system weighed heavily on Schwartz and motivated him to take action.
With unwavering faith, Schwartz decided to speak out. He understood this wasn’t about personal vengeance or monetary gain. This was about raising awareness, changing laws, and saving lives. “I feel like God put me in this position,” Schwartz said. “He gave me this platform to help others and prevent more families from experiencing the same heartache.”
His message, though deeply personal, has resonated with many. The video Schwartz recorded, bravely shares the story of his loss; it is not just a public service announcement—it’s a call to action. “If this commercial hits just one person, and they decide not to pick up their phone while driving, it could save a life,” he said. “That’s worth everything.”
Schwartz said shooting the video was challenging because of the emotions tied to the crash and the light sentence for the man who caused it. “I would say it was difficult. A lot of times I don’t even realize it, because you kind of grow a little numb to this stuff,” he said. “It definitely is tough. But like I said, this is kind of the positive thing I can do.”
Schwartz’s mission doesn’t end with raising awareness. He’s working with local lawmakers, including Senator Chris Kapenga and Assembly Rep. Jim Piwowarczyk, to push for changes in the law. He hopes his advocacy, paired with his personal story, will inspire stronger penalties for those who cause harm through distracted driving.
While the road to legislative change is still in its early stages, Schwartz’s faith remains his guiding light through it all.
“God has been my rock,” he said. “There are days when the grief hits hard, but I find strength in knowing I am not alone.”
Schwartz said even though he has moved forward, the grief still can catch him by surprise.
“It can be in the snap of a finger. I could look at a plant we bought at our house, or a children’s swing or something; you never know what’s going to set it off. Watching somebody text and drive, going down the highway, swerving and not paying attention.
“I mean, there’s really no good answer for how are you doing? My faith, God, my church,” he said helped him through.
Schwartz’s faith has not only been a source of comfort but has also led him to a deeper understanding of the larger picture. Through his efforts, he hopes to help others who are struggling, whether they are facing grief, mental health challenges, or moments of despair. Schwartz believes the power of faith can offer hope even in the darkest of times.
“I think God puts you in a position sometimes that you don’t feel is fair at the at the time, but maybe you can use that position to make it something positive. Even just sharing my faith.”
And while Schwartz’s journey has been difficult, he has found purpose in it. He is committed to making a difference and shining a light on the dangers of distracted driving.
“I don’t want anyone else to go through what I went through,” he said. “I want people to understand that texting while driving isn’t just an inconvenience; it can be deadly. If I can save even one life through this campaign, then it will have been worth every sacrifice.”
As he continues to honor the memory of his wife and son, Schwartz reminds us that faith, resilience, and the desire to make a positive impact can turn tragedy into something that brings hope, healing, and change to others.
Video courtesy the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
Below is the obituary posting for Casey Lynn Schwartz, 30, and her children.
June 24, 2022 – Mayville, WI – Casey Lynn Schwartz, 30, and Octavius Melvin James ‘Gus’ Schwartz, 1, and their unborn child (Earl Casey Schwartz) of Mayville went to Heaven to spend eternity with Jesus on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, as a result of an auto accident in Richfield.
A visitation for Casey Lynn and ‘Gus’ will take place on Monday, June 27 from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville and again on Tuesday, June 28, from 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon at St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church in Fond du Lac.
The funeral service will start promptly at 12 noon on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church in Fond du Lac with the Rev. Jonathan Learman officiating. Interment will take place at St. Petri Cemetery in Tn. Theresa.
A luncheon and time to gather will follow at the Mayville Golf Club (The Meating Place) in Mayville.
Casey Lynn was born the daughter of Alan and Penny Pipping (nee Hoffman) on February 15, 1992, in Waupaca, WI. She was baptized on March 29th, 1992, at Immanuel EV. Lutheran Church in Waupaca. She was confirmed on April 9, 2006, at Peace EV Lutheran Church in Green Lake, WI., where she also attended grade school.
She was a 2010 Graduate of Winnebago Lutheran Academy. She then continued her education at Moraine Park Technical College and graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education. Casey Lynn was currently the Director at the Little Red Schoolhouse in Richfield, WI.
On June 7, 2019, she was united in marriage to the love of her life Casey Schwartz at St. Peter’s EV Lutheran Church in Theresa, WI.
On June 11, 2021, they were blessed with a beautiful baby boy Octavius ‘Gus’ Schwartz. Octavius was baptized on July 11, 2021, at St. Peter’s EV Lutheran Church in Theresa, WI.
On December 3, 2022, they were expecting their second child, a boy, Earl Casey Schwartz.
Casey Lynn has been in childcare for over 10 years. She loved children and was dedicated to her work as the director at the Little Red Schoolhouse, where Octavius spent every day with her. Her greatest joy was being a Mom, loving wife, Aunt and a dog Mom to Skylar. Casey enjoyed “All Things Snoopy”, boy bands, Bucks Games and Shania Twain. Casey Lynn loved singing Amazing Grace to Octavius every night before bed.
Octavius was always a very happy baby, who loved playing with and picking on his dog Skylar. He was a very smart little guy that loved making faces. He had a lot of different personalities in his expressions.
Casey Lynn and Octavius are survived by their husband/father Casey Schwartz of Mayville. Her parents and Octavius’ grandparents Alan and Penny Pipping. Her husband’s parents and Octavius Grandparents- Tab (Sue) Schwartz, Cindy (Ken) Collins, Scott (Jody Hockers) Bernhard.
Casey Lynns Siblings – Jacob (Kara) Pipping, Courtney (Marcus) Grier, Jeremy “Eugene” Pipping.
Her Grandparents John & Beve Hoffman, Grandmother Gloria Pipping and Great Grandfather Mathias Hoffman.
Her husband’s siblings- Briana (Fintan Floyd) Bernhard, Emalie Bernhard, Lydia Bernhard, Ryan Schwartz and Catie Schwartz.
Her husband’s Grandparents – Larry & Judy Schraufnagel, Mike & Cathy Sucharski, Ralph & Donna Pribnow and Robert & Carol Bernhard.
One of her best friends and cousin, Ashlianne (Aaron) Ash, many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.
Niece Izzy and Nephews Levi & Nathan, along with Special Niece Ellie & Nephew Emmett.
Casey Lynn & Octavius was preceded in death by her Grandfather Melvin Pipping and Cousin Ian Schoeneberg.
Octavius was also preceded in death by his Great Grandfather Lyle Schwartz and Great Grandfather James Neitzel.
Casey Lynn and Octavius’ memories will live on with the gift of organ donation.
Special thanks to Pastor Jonathan Learman, relatives and friends, and all emergency personnel for their support during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St Peters EV. Lutheran Church Theresa, Bo’s Heavenly Clubhouse, Horicon or to the charity of your choice in memory of Casey Lynn and Octavius.
The Koepsell Funeral & Cremation Services (Mayville) is assisting the family.
