John R. Stewart

John Stewart went home to be with the Lord on September 20th, 2011. John was 87 years old and lived a wonderful life! He was born a twin on August 3, 1924 in Platte, South Dakota and was the 3rd of 4 children. At the age of 6 months, John lost his father before he had a chance to know him and traveled West with his mother, Thyra, and his siblings. The family ended up in San Jose, CA, where John grew up in an Italian neighborhood where he learned how to stomp grapes, pick prunes and many other wonderful fruits, which he loved. When he was of age, he joined the Army/Air Force where he traveled the world serving our country. Upon his return from his tour of duty, he married and had 3 children, Vanessa, Ralph and Marlene. He was a great salesman and started his own printing business at the age of 50 in Campbell, CA. He remarried around the same time to his wife and business partner of 37 years, Inger and added 2 more girls, Mette and Jeannette to his family. John worked hard to make his business a success and was able to truly enjoy life when he retired in 1989. He enjoyed spending time in Mazatlan with friends and family and loved playing games!!! Before he retired, he moved to San Diego, CA, where he lived until 2002 when he moved to Surprise, AZ, to escape the California traffic. In Surprise, he and Inger made many wonderful friends who have been a huge support during the difficult last few months of his life here on earth. John is survived by his Wife, Inger; twin, Betty; 5 children, 10 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. at Grand Community Baptist Church, 18350 N. Goldwater Ridge Dr., Surprise, AZ 85374. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer's Resarch (www.ALZ.org). For more information, please visit www.surprisefuneralcare.com