Robert E. "Bob" Stewart

Robert E. “Bob” Stewart, 92, of Lake Hallie, WI, died peacefully Sunday, April 7, 2024, at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in Chippewa Falls.  

Bob was born December 24,1931, to Earl and Marie (Paul) Stewart.  He grew up in Chippewa Falls and graduated from McDonnell Central Catholic High School in 1951.  He answered the call to serve his country with the U.S Army in the Korean Conflict with the 27th Regiment of the 25th Division.

On August 30, 1958, Bob married the love of his life, June Hamm, embarking on a journey of love and companionship that spanned 65 years.  Together, they nurtured a family filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.   He enjoyed watching his family grow at home and at the family cottage on Lower Long Lake.  Bob’s devotion to June remained true. Upon June’s passing, Bob’s heart was broken and he passed 75 days later.

Bob was a dedicated provider for his family.   For 18 years he worked for the Soo Line Railroad while driving a school bus part time for the Chippewa Yellow Bus Company.  In the 70’s he started his career with the Chippewa Falls School District working as a custodian and transitioned into maintenance in multiple schools within the district.  Throughout his life he continued working at Stewart’s Garage, a radiator repair business that he and his father created.  Upon retirement he returned to driving a school bus, as it was a job he truly loved.  In addition, he embraced his joy of the deals he would get attending auctions and estate sales gathering “treasures” much to his family’s dismay. 

Bob was well known for his handlebar mustache, charity to others, “Bobisms” (witty comments), malted milks, and the fact that if you needed it, he had it amongst his “treasures.”

Bob is survived by his daughters, Julie Stewart of Vancouver, WA, Celeste (Jeff) Loibl of Maplewood, MN, Denise Stewart and Peggy (Rick) Crank of Chippewa Falls; his favorite son, Paul (Kathy) Stewart of MI; grandchildren, Kevin and Eric Utterback of Vancouver, WA, Kayla (Bo) Hopkins, Brian (Miranda Swenson) Loibl, Paige (Zach) Ledman, Doug Stewart (Molly Hottman), Jack and Wyatt Eiden, Shelby (Hayden) Acker, and Kyle and Grant Crank; three great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law Judy (Gerry) Byrnes of Edmonds, WA; and honorary daughter, Kristin Anderl. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, June; parents Earl and Marie; son-in-law, Kenneth Utterback; nephew, Scott Hamm; and niece, Carrie Hamm. 

Per Bob’s request no services will be held.   Interment will be held at a later date at Calvary Cemetery in Chippewa Falls. 

The family would like to extend a gracious thank you to the Veterans Home of Chippewa Falls and the St. Croix Hospice for their outstanding attention and dedication they put into caring for our father.