Darrell W. Stewart

Deerton

Darrell W. Stewart, age 80, of Deerton, Michigan and formerly of Rolling Meadow, Illinois, died on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at his home under the loving care of his wife following a year long illness.  He was born on May 30, 1939 in Moline, Illinois to Wayne and Maxine (Dean) Stewart.  Darrell graduated from Cordova High School and then entered into the United States Air Force.  He served as an aviation mechanic and was stationed in Germany. He flew in missions over Europe, Africa, New Zealand, and Antarctica. After being honorably discharged, Darrell returned home and worked for International Harvester as a combine research tech in Moline.  He became mechanic for the City of Rolling Meadows a job he had for nearly thirty years before retiring in 2000.  While living in Rolling Meadows Darrell met and then married Victoria Newman on December 31, 1980.  After retirement Darrell and Vickii found their dream home in the Upper Peninsula.  Darrell became a talented wood carver after joining a wood carving club and created many spectacular nature scenes.  Darrell also became very active in his Deerton community in volunteering for the planning commission, U.P. 200 Dog Sled Race Deerton checkpoint coordinator, Deerton Voulunteer Fire Department, and as the Vice-President of the AuTrain-Onota School Board.  Darrell loved spending time with his wife Vickii, and enjoying the beautiful nature that surrounded them.

He is survived by his wife of thirty-nine years – Vickii Stewart of Deerton; son – Robert (Teresa) Zimla, of Buffalo, MO; grandson – SSgt. Justin Zimla of Ft. Leonard Wood, MO; brother – Dean (Cookie) Stewart; nieces and nephews; dear friends – Paul and Gail Krejci.  Darrell was preceded in death by his parents Wayne and Maxine.

A memorial service will be held at a late date in Deerton.  Memorials in Darrell’s name may be made to the Alger County Animal Shelter 510 E. Munising Avenue, Munising, MI 49862.