Robert G. 'Bob' Stewart Sr., 77

Robert G. "Bob" Stewart Sr. was "received into the arms of Christ" on May 4, 2006. He had a long battle with lung cancer, and his spirit found victory over it.

Bob was born in Morrill, Neb., on June 5, 1928, to Eldora (Hunnell) and Gordon Stewart. When Eldora died at a young age, Bob moved to Proctor, where his grandparents helped to raise him. He attended grade school in Polson and high school in Kalispell.

He joined the U.S. Navy at 17 years of age, serving as a Seabee electrician in the Korean War and Cuba. He was stationed around the world and across much of the U.S.A.

In 1952, Bob married Eleanor Paul from Hopewell, N.J. They had three children, the two sons being born outside the United States. Bob retired to Kalispell in 1967 after serving his country for almost 22 years.

He was employed as an electrician at the aluminum plant in Columbia Falls, retiring in 1994.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing all his life, especially with his sons and grandsons. He played softball wherever he was stationed. After retirement, he coached Little League baseball and was a Cub Scout pack master. He was a member of the U.S. Naval Reserve, Scottish Rites Freemasons, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the National Rifle Association and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

He was known over the community for his large garden, which he shared with friends and family. His tomatoes were famous and coveted by many folks.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Eleanor; and a sister, Theodora "Susie" Schliecher.

He is survived by daughter, Pam Stewart; sons, Ted and his wife, Joan, and Bob and his wife, Patti, and grandsons, Chris and Sean, all of Kalispell. He has a sister, Dorothy Oberg, who lives in Henry, Neb., with her husband, George. Bob has an aunt Margaret Hunnell in San Jose, Calif. He has nieces, nephews and extended family across the United States.

Graveside services for Bob will be held at noon on Tuesday, May 9, at the Glacier Memorial Gardens.

Memorial services will follow directly at the Whitefish Community Church of God. Visitation for Bob will be in the Johnson Mortuary Chapel on Monday from noon until 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, "because you can't eat flowers," memorials can be sent to the Whitefish Community Church of God's Men's Ministry at 5685 Hwy. 93 South, Whitefish, MT 59937 and to Home Options/Hospice at 175 Commons Loop, Suite 100, Kalispell, MT 59901.

Johnson's Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Bob's family.