Charles E. Stewart

Charles Edward Stewart, 86, of South Bend, Indiana, passed away peacefully on May 25th, 2022, from a brief illness and COPD complications. On February 5th, 1936, Charlie was born to Elizabeth (Lizzie) Hei and Charles (Big Charlie) Stewart in South Bend, Indiana, about two blocks from his 59yo honeymoon cottage and retirement bungalow. His three sisters loved Charlie very much even though he was pretty ornery and got into troublesome situations - they had many funny stories to share! After Charlie graduated from Washington Clay High School in 1954, he entered the Navy and traveled the Pacific while serving on the USS Hamner 718 as a Fire Technician and Petty Officer for four years -- he said he had a GREAT time and he really enjoyed the food. He began his 30-year career at Uniroyal in 1959 in Accounting which is also where he met his wonderful wife Patsy in 1962. He thought she was very cute and overcame his shyness to ask her out. Patsy (in Memory Care) still giggles when she talks about Charlie - she thought he looked just like Frank Sinatra!  They married in May 1963, and he was quickly blessed with three little girls in three years - Sherri Lynn Stewart, Lorri Ann Stewart, and Jodi Annette Walbring. Charlie retired early and spent his time enjoying his grandkids Kali and David while working in his large organic garden, reading thousands of Mystery books, and enjoying forgetting what day it was. He was a great cook and was very pleased that his daughters, sons-in-law (Lowell, Andy, and even his grandkids and grandson-in-law became great cooks too. Charlie was predeceased by his parents and sisters, Elizabeth (Betty) Besemer, Norma Reincke, and Carol Ameling. Charlie is survived by his wife Patsy, his three beloved daughters, Sherri (husband Lowell), Lorri Ann, and Jodi (Husband Andy), and his two grandchildren, Kali Dakota Walbring (husband Yun) and David Charles Walbring, and all of his nieces and nephews, and his best cat and companion, Buddy. Charlie was very proud of his kids and grandkids and the great humans they have become. Charlie was most well-known for his kindness, generosity, gentle approach to most situations, putting family first and foremost, and his great sense of humor - he loved to tell a good story, and we all enjoyed a good laugh. We all loved him dearly and will miss him for a long time. Charlie requested a less formal approach to a memorial of a well-lived life. His daughters will be hosting a "Celebration of Charlie's Life" outdoor BBQ at home on June 11th, 2022, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at 20343 Richard Ave, South Bend, IN 46637. Flowers may be sent to that same address or in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to WNIT PBS local station, an organization that Charlie enjoyed and supported regularly, or your local Hospice, an organization that has helped many of Charlie's friends and family. Online condolences may be left at www.kaniewski.com

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