Robert 'Bob' Stewart - Owatonna

Robert "Bob" Stewart, 82, died at home, July 10, 2012, surrounded by his loving family, after a lengthy illness with renal cancer. Family, friends, his pastor and hospice care gave him comfort through visits, calls and cards.

Bob was born April 4, 1930, in Kansas City, Mo. At three weeks of age he was adopted by loving parents, Robert W. and Irene Stewart of Hamburg, Iowa. Early years were enjoyed in Omaha Neb., until the family moved to Fort Dodge, Iowa, in 1944. After high school graduation in 1948, he attended Jr. College. Various jobs took him to Missouri, Illinois, New York state and then to Minneapolis, where he worked in finance and retail. During this time he met Mary Alice Lawrence, fell in love and was married April 26, 1958, at Kasson Methodist Church.

After the births of his children, Airco Aluminum Products transferred him to Harvey, Ill., until 1963, and then back to Minnesota. He formed Stewart Greeting Cards which he operated from 1965-1987. Bob purchased rental property in 1976 and he remained active in that business until his death.

Bob enjoyed family gatherings, spending time at their Brainerd cabin, conquering the computer, shopping (really!), 40s music and was an avid reader. Bob was a member of the Owatonna United Methodist Church and was active in various capacities in earlier years.

Bob is survived by Mary Alice, his wife of 54 years; daughter, Kate (Jay) Krause; son, Tom (fiancee, Amy Thompson); grandchildren, Emily (Alex) Pierce, Laurel, Kelsey (fiance, Dillin Schultz), and Tony Stewart; and great-granddaughter, Peyton Schultz all of Owatonna; brother, John (Trudy) Stewart of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Louis "Bud" and Shirley Lawrence of Mankato, Richard and Beverly Lawrence of Brooklyn Park and Janet and Larry Johnson of Rochester; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Merlen and Wanda Lawrence and nephew, Kurt Johnson.

A Celebration of Bob’s Life will be held Tuesday, July 31, at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, 815 East University, Owatonna, with Rev. Loren Olson officiating. Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the United Methodist Church or Owatonna Homecare and Hospice.