The funeral service for Eugene C. Stewart, 90, of Racine, Minn., was held 11 a.m. on Monday, March 26, 2018, at Redemption Hill Church in Stewartville, Minn., with Rev. Curly Werth and Rev. Chad Skaren officiating. Burial followed at Hamilton Cemetery in rural Racine, Minn. Mr. Stewart boarded the train for Glory on Wednesday, March 21, 2018, at Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield, Minn., where he had been a resident since August 2014.
Eugene Charles Stewart was born March 4, 1928, in Racine, Minn., to Elmer and Nellie (Kemmer) Stewart. He grew up in Racine, began school there and graduated from Stewartville High School in 1946. He worked in his father’s business, Stewart Blacksmith Shop on mainsteet in Racine. He served in the U.S. Army for two years, including duty overseas in Korea as a steam locomotive engineer, and returned to Minnesota following his discharge. Eugene was married August 31, 1956, in Racine, Minn., to Mary Lou Taylor. Following their marriage, the couple lived in Rochester for a few years before moving near the Stewart Family homestead in Racine, where they raised their children and have continued to make their home. Gene was a tool and die maker for almost 40 years at Crenlo Co. in Rochester. Gene was well known for his passion for steam engines and the days of steam locomotives, so much so that he built several for himself and others. Mary is a homemaker. Gene was a past member of Racine United Methodist Church as a boy and young man and was an active long-time member of First Baptist Church, now Redemption Hill Church, in Stewartville, where he served in many capacities and always enjoyed visiting following Sunday services. He and his dad, with their Case threshing engine, were two of the early members of what is now known as the Root River Antique Historical Power Assn. in Racine. He loved time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Eugene is survived by his wife Mary; one daughter and three sons: David (Barb) of Millington, Tenn., John of Preston, Minn., Steve of Rochester, and Julie (Mark) Pearce of Brownsdale, Minn.; seven grandchildren: Melissa Elford, Dawn (Oscar) Balderas, Greg (Jessica) Stewart, Angela Stewart, Steve (Teresa) Pearce, Christopher Pearce (Marissa Bornholt) and Nichole (Ryan) Eipers; and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A time of visitation for family and friends took place one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday morning. Arrangements were with Griffin-Gray F.H. in Stewartville, www.griffin-gray.com
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