John A. Stewart, age 88, of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, passed away on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at his residence, surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral services for John will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at Ritchay Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. Rev. Jerome Patric will officiate the service. The family will greet relatives and friends on Wednesday morning at the funeral home from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Burial will follow the service at Pioneer Cemetery in the Town of Saratoga. Military rites will be provided by VFW Post #2534 of Wisconsin Rapids.

John was born on September 30, 1930 in Manistique, MI to the late William and Lorraine (Robare) Stewart. He married Norma G. Vail on June 10, 1953 in Manistique, MI. John owned and operated John’s IGA in Green Bay and also worked for Sentry Foods in Grafton for a number of years. John served his country honorably as a member of the 101st Airborne in the U.S. Army from 1947-1955. During his time in service, John was deployed to Korea.

John was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching the Packers, Brewers, Badgers, Bucks, Duke Basketball and golf. He played and coached baseball and softball most of his life and was instrumental in beginning the senior league softball league in Wisconsin Rapids. He had the honor of coaching all of his children in baseball and softball when they were younger. He coached the Decay Fighters in Grafton and Sentry Foods in Grafton. John was a very hard-worker and his children learned their work ethic from him. He loved to spend time with his family, especially the grandkids, and was a loving and devoted husband to Norma for 61 years.

John is survived by six children John Stewart Jr of the Town of Seneca, Sandra Weber of Green Bay, Tim (Lori) Stewart of Anthem, AZ, Cyndi Stewart of Wisconsin Rapids, Jane Stewart of Wisconsin Rapids and Janet (Trevorius) Mann of Green Bay; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters Betty Freeland and Mary Holland; brother Jim Stewart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Norma “Gail” and sister Sally Prater.

John’s family would like to thank Dr. Scott Dickman and the staff of Ascension/Ministry Home Care Hospice for the wonderful care given to him.