Frederick L. Stewart, fondly known as Fred, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 13, at the age of 73. Fred was born on March 10, 1951, to William Stewart and grew up in Hanover, Illinois, alongside his fifteen brothers and sisters, and attended Hanover schools.
In 1984, Fred married Rose Mary Greene, the love of his life. Together, they built a life filled with love and family until Rose’s passing in 2022.
Fred’s heart always belonged to the great outdoors. He dreamed of living in the mountains and cherished the years he spent in Montana and Wyoming. He found peace in drawing nature’s beauty. His sketches of raccoons and deer reflected his love for the quiet splendor of the natural world.
A true tinkerer, Fred had an unmatched talent for working with his hands and finding creative solutions to life’s little challenges. Whether it was building a custom ATV enclosure or ingeniously using a log as a truck bumper, his resourcefulness was legendary. Fred’s sense of humor often shone through in his projects, like the time he gave his truck a camo makeover by wrapping it in duct tape—until the rain had other plans.
Fred was a man of few words, known for his honesty. While he valued his freedom and independence, nothing meant more to him than his family. His children and grandchildren were the center of his world. Fred loved making his grandkids laugh with his goofy antics and funny remarks, bringing smiles to their faces even in his final days. Above all, he worked tirelessly to ensure his family had everything they needed and more, creating countless memories of love and joy.
Fred will be dearly missed by his four children: Fred Jr. (Irene) Stewart of Low Moor, IA; Angela (Brian) Wilburn of DeWitt, IA; Susan (Christopher) Harmon of Dubuque, IA; and Paul Greene of Savanna, IL. He also leaves behind ten grandchildren—Karissa, Freddy, Diana, JoJo, Hayden, Brycen, Brantley, Ashley, Brandon, and Caitlyn—who will cherish his legacy of laughter and love. Fred is survived by three siblings, Betty, Glen, and Everette, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Rose Mary, and many of his brothers and sisters.
Fred’s life was a testament to simplicity, creativity, and love. His presence will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.