Don Stewart

MADISON

Don Thomas Stewart, 92, passed away peacefully at his home Monday, September 28, 2015 as the sun was rising over Lake Mendota. Hailing from one of the founding families in Verona (1843), he was born May 13, 1923 to Frank and Edna Stewart. In his early years he and older brother Lyle, helped at the family’s general store, Stewart and Miller (Miller and Sons) and on the family farm (Epic farm). Don graduated from Verona High School in 1941, attended UW Madison and the Grove Barnhart Business College before joining the US Navy where he became a skilled aircraft mechanic on F6F Hellcat night fighters in Rhode Island. On leave, Don met Doreen Short at his parents' home in Verona. They were married December 1946, the start of their 69 year marriage. Together they enjoyed traveling the country and dancing to Big Band Music at local dance halls, putting over a million miles on the road and many on the dance floor. Don was a hard worker, perfectionist, practical planner and could fix anything. He started building and remodeling homes, which became his occupation and was also skilled in HVAC, metal work, and as a mechanic. A client once said "it would take two men twice as long to get half as much done", compared to Don. During his younger years, he logged the family property which was preserved and designated to be used for managed forest and educational purposes, now known as the Madison School Forest. Don had a 30 year career as a volunteer fireman for the Verona Fire Department during which he served as Assistant Chief; he also worked long hours plowing snow throughout Verona. Don's skills as a builder were sought after and he developed long working relationships with artisans, Harvey Littleton, Warrington Colescott, and Marko Spalatin of the UW Art Department. Harvey's world famous art glass was displayed at art shows throughout the country on pedestals built by Don. Summers the family moved to their cottage on Lake Mendota for swimming, fishing, and boating. He enjoyed fishing with family and friends, for perch on Lake Mendota, northern pike and lake trout in Canada, and trout and salmon on Lake Michigan. He loved sailing, swimming, and especially water skiing, having last waterskied at 80 years old. He enjoyed being home on Lake Mendota, finding few places better. He and Doreen enjoyed hosting picnics here for family, friends, and international students. Don never moved from his home because of the need to care for family. Starting in 1950 he and Doreen cared for his father Frank after a stroke, mother, Edna, and more recently daughter, Jovey in her later life. Don was happiest at his workbench, working in the yard, visiting with family and friends at the lake, or hanging out with his little buddy, family dog, Luke. He enjoyed working as a historian and compiling and sharing history about Verona and Lake Mendota. Don will be remembered as a caring, hard-working, practical man and independent thinker who did not beat around the bush and loved a great steak. He liked a good joke and could be a prankster, yet was a father figure to many and admired for his outlook on life. He was proud and appreciative of his family and enjoyed watching his grandsons develop into fine young men. He will be greatly missed by all.

Don is survived by wife Doreen, son, Jeff Stewart (Karen) of Port Edwards, daughter Jana Stewart (Jeff Prey) of Madison, and grandsons Nathan, Ian, and Will Stewart. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Lyle, and daughter Jovey.

A celebration of life open house will be held on Saturday, October 17th from 1 - 5 PM at the Stewart's home in Madison. Memorial contributions may be made to the Verona Historical Society, 975 Walnut Street, Verona, WI 53593.

The family thanks the staff at Associated Physicians, Meriter Hospital, and Agrace Hospice for all their help and support.