Donald Stewart Obituary

Janesville, WI - Donald J. "Don" Stewart, age 81, of Janesville, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, at UW Hospital, Madison. He was born in Janesville on Oct. 14, 1944, the son of Wilbert and Lucille (Siggelkow) Stewart. Don was raised on the family farm on Henke Road. He married Irene Buczko in 1964 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Janesville and worked driving for Schneider and Frito Lay, earning a 1 Million Mile safety award.

His passion was woodworking. He cut down trees and milled his own lumber, using it to make furniture. Don was a man of many dimensions. He got his private pilot's license and flew a Cessna with his friend Jeff. Don raced stock cars, rode motorcycles and snowmobiles in his younger days. He and Irene enjoyed traveling and had the opportunity to visit 4 continents and all 50 states. He took his family 800 miles into Mexico in an RV with 40 other coaches in the late 70's.

His grandchildren were a special joy in his life. He enjoyed their sporting events and doting on them. He could always be seen walking in his neighborhood making friends with his neighbors and their dogs. In retirement years Don and Irene enjoyed spending time in Minocqua often with friends. Wisconsin winters sent them to South Padre Island for sunshine. Dons zest for life never left him.

He is survived by his wife, Irene; 2 children, Pamela Riley and Michael Stewart; 4 grandchildren: Aaron (Heather) Riley, Chase (Ethan Deak) Riley, Olivia (Devin Pfeifer) Riley, and Amaya Stewart; 5 siblings: Mary (Paul) Schmaltz, Caroline (Gary) Pergande, Patty Butler, Nancy (Richard) Perrin, and Robert (Brenda) Stewart; brother-in-law, Alex Buczko; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

" In dreams I walk with you, In dreams I talk with you. In Dreams you are with me all of the time...everything will be alright". -Roy Orbison

Memorial services will be held at noon on March 15th at the APFEL WOLFE FUNERAL HOME, 21 S. Austin Rd. Janesville. Visitation will take place on March 15th from 11AM until the hour of service at the APFEL WOLFE FUNERAL HOME. For online condolences: www.apfelwolfe.com