Richard Stewart

RICHARD STEWART

Cedar Rapids

Richard Stewart, 76, passed away Monday, Oct. 20, 2014, peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. A graveside burial service will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery on Friday, Oct. 24, at High Noon. The family will host an open house from 1 to 4 p.m. following the inurnment in their home at 120 Fleetwood Rd. SW.

Richard was born July 26, 1938, to Arvel and Elizabeth Stewart in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He was among the first class to graduate from Washington High School in Cedar Rapids. After school he served five years on the USS Bon Homme. Richard was a nuclear weapons specialist for the U.S. Navy. While in the service he also served his country as a wrestler for the Navy. On April 19, 1963, Richard married Connie Schmidt in Anamosa, Iowa.

He was an avid outdoorsman, who truly enjoyed fishing and hunting. He also liked collecting antiques.

Richard was able to retire at a young age and from his career as an operating engineer from Iowa Electric. He was an active member of Operating Engineers Local 275.

Richard is survived by his wife of 52 years, Connie Stewart of Cedar Rapids, son, James Stewart of Cedar Rapids; daughter, Jennifer Ellis of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, William, Elizabeth and Linzy; and four great-grandchildren. He also is survived by sisters, Iona (William) McClenahan of Seattle, Wash., Pat Hildebrand of Cedar Rapids and Norma (David) Berry of Cedar Rapids; and brother, William (Harlene) Stewart of Cedar Rapids.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arvel and Elizabeth; brothers, James, Albert and Robert Stewart; an infant sister; and paternal and maternal grandparents.

Richard was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend who will be missed.

Online condolences may be left at www.cedar memorial.com under "obituaries."