Steven Arthur Stewart, 66, of Vermillion, passed away Sunday, March 12th. A visitation will be held at Hansen Funeral Home in Vermillion on Wednesday, March 15th from 4:00-5:00pm, and afterward a celebration of life will be held at Bunyan’s from 6:00-8:00pm.
Steve was born to Donald, and Mary K. (Hood) Stewart on February 2nd, 1951 in Vermillion. He grew up in Vermillion, graduating from high school in 1969. He attended Black Hills State University, and the University of South Dakota. Despite not graduating, he never met anybody smarter than him.
Steve was an entrepreneur. In his earlier years, he owned and operated multiple businesses in the Vermillion area, and in his later years, he spent most of his time day trading. He was a sports and outdoors enthusiast, involved with the Vermillion youth wrestling club, and Pheasants Unlimited. He was a supporter of the local arts, providing venues at his bars Grease City and Pheasant Acres to promote the local bands. At one point he even had a stint at managing the Zero Ted band. He was also a big Coyote and Tanager fan, attending multiple sporting events.
On November 7th, 1975, he married Jane (Fevold). Steve and Jane were blessed with four children, and five grandchildren, which have kept them very busy over the years. His weekends were spent watching football games and wrestling matches. His weekday afternoons were generally spent at the Charcoal Lounge with friends.
Steve is survived by his wife Jane, of Vermillion; four children, John Stewart of Burbank, SD Josh (D’Lynn) Stewart of Wellsville KS, Jill Stewart of Omaha NE, and Jenna (Shane) Benzel of Harrisburg SD; grandchildren, Johnny Stewart, Simone Rentel, Bram, Beck, and Baye Benzel; siblings Chuck (Noreen) Stewart, Todd (Jenni) Stewart, Ann (Ron) Schoellerman, and Mike Stewart all of Vermillion; brother in law Bob Devine of Sioux Falls; aunt, Glennis Stewart, and uncle Bob (Jewell) Hood; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Steve is preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Kathy Devine. Honorary pallbearers include his best friends Steve Pace, Brian (Kat-Man) Hochalter, James (Mad Dog) Geary, Bill (Pugh) Ellison, Terry Small, Kim (Gilk) Gilkyson, Jerry Nygaard, Steve Donnelly, Harry O'Connor & many others.
In Lieu of flowers, as Steve would request, please keep your own hard earned money, and invest it wisely. If you would like to irritate him in the afterlife, you can donate to South Dakota Public Broadcasting.