Michael's friendship meant the world to us!!  Norm and Michael grew up together and had many adventures!  Once Rob became part of the 3 musketeers, they could find lots of trouble together.  Thankfully we women tamed them down and we truly loved each other!   What a lucky group we were!  

Mike and his Mom, June,  his  Dad, Marvin known as Stew, his sister Kay and our friend Mac, when were were visiting Mac at his farm outside Columbia Missouri in the late 80.

One of Michael's Loves was Fishing and after he retired he was able to spend some time with his love Jan In Norther New Mexico doing just that. This picture was from March of 1970, Opening day of Trout Season if I remember, He and the boys talked me into coming with them for a "fun weekend". I will never forget it was the coldest I had ever been, the river had ice in it and we were sleeping in a tent in 20 degree weather. It was my one and only time fishing,  but a great example of how he could talk me into most anything. 

The day Michael met Jan was the luckiest day of his life. 
And he knew it!

Michael was a very fortunate man. He was blessed to have had such a generous partner. And I mean that in every sense of the word. Most importantly, was how Jan tirelessly gave of herself to care for him when he was no longer able to do so for himself.

Uncle Michael will always be rembered as a kind, fun and full of love soul by us. I am grateful to have had him in our lives, and will cherish my memories of him, from His and my Aunts' beautiful wedding, to our kids getting to swim in his FUN pool! 
His love and adoration towards our little family will be missed dearly. 
May you rest in pleace Uncle Michael.
-Uncle Michael & his great nephews, Ari & Kenji. 

I have been friends with Michael since we met at work 38 years ago. YIKES!! That's more than half my life. I have so many memories that would be fun to share. Some not suitable for print. Remind me to tell you when we get together at Michael's Celebration of Life.

For sure, there were times I was ready to kill him. But, I never lost sight of his great big heart. There isn't anything he wouldn't do for a friend. And, the compassion he showed to animals always warmed my heart. He couldn't turn his back on an animal in need. He was a great Dog, Cat and Fish Daddy to the many pets he loved along the way.

Michael was a good friend. He threw me a wonderful surprise 40th birthday party (just a few years ago). Thank heavens he answered the phone when I called home for messages (remember answering machines?). If he hadn't inadvertently tipped me off that there was a party at my place, I would have had a heart attack when I opened my front door. Shhhhhh! don't tell him, I swore it was a total surprise.

I can't believe he is gone. I sure do miss him.

I’ve known Mike for the last 50 years and he has always been a great friend.  Years ago, he offered to teach me how to fish.  We went down to Bennett Springs and he handed me a rod and reel that was all set up.  He stood by, giving me tips on casting, etc.  With beginner’s luck, I managed to hook a real lunker, but suddenly, it was gone!   I reeled in the line and there at the end was what was left of an old rusty hook—it had simply snapped off!
Mike was standing next to me, a look of horror on his face.  He said “Oh no! I didn’t think you’d catch anything so I just put an old rusty hook on your line!”  We laughed and ribbed each other about that right up until the end.
I will miss Michael very much—he had a great heart.
--Denise Snell Pott

What a joy to hear Michael tell a funny story from the past. He laughed the whole time he was telling it which just made me laugh more. Fishing was such a passion. Catch and release was just fine with Micheal as long as he could come back another day. Jan would sit and craft realistic lures with string, yarn, feathers and natural fibers and Michael would fish with them all. He was beaming with pride when he would show me each fly Jan made and he always had a story to go with each. This was something they enjoyed together.

This photo was from Halloween as we handed out candies to the kids. Michael always loved to do this, to see the little ones in costumes and talk to the parents. Michael could always find a friend and someone to talk to and laugh with. He had the best smile and sincere laughter. Love have Michael and Jan as friends and neighbors. 

My Favorite Cousin Michael. I already miss our talks.  You made me laugh every single time we spoke. 
When I was about 10 we came to visit the family in St. Louis. You showed me your tanks of fish. You even had a piranha which gave me the creeps! But you ended up sending me home with a glass juice jar with a pair of guppies inside. They rode in the car from St. Louis to Dallas just fine and as soon as I got my first fish tank started they gave me TONS more guppies haha!!  Those two fish led me to over 40 years of fish-loving times!! We’ve had many fun times over the years from St. Louis to Dallas to Phoenix and Florida and Canada too. Your stories were endless and always a trip to hear. My favorite thing you did was to introduce sweet Jan into our lives. She is one in a million and you two were a perfect pair. You kept her on her toes for sure and she loved you so!!  I knew you were always getting the very best care with Jan in charge.
I will miss you and love you always, My Favorite Cousin Ever, Michael.

Always up for dinner with friends. Always the life of the party! Michael has been my friend since the 1970s. I miss his sense of humor. 

I've known Mike since 1969 or so. Boy scouts, explorers, motorcycle riding , camping,  concerts, canoeing,  sharing good scotches and friendship. Still can't believe he is gone, just left a big hole in me. I'm glad that the last time we talked, we said love ya man at the end of the conversation. It's like losing a brother.  God speed good friend, hope to see ya on the other side along with all the cats and dogs we raised. Give your family my best, and  God bless . If heaven has a trout stream, I know you'll be in it.😇


Michael was more than a brother-in-law:  he was a friend.   I will always remember the times he, Jan, Kay, and I shared:  visiting with each other in Arizona and Utah, river rafting, bird hunting, jeeping, target shooting, and sharing drinks and meals.  Jan, you and I will always have those memories we created together. Cherish them asI do.

I met Michael on a Cruise years ago and we just clicked. Enjoyed every minute with him and Jan. 
My deepest sympathy Jan ❤️
Ralph 

OBITUARY

Michael Lee Stewart

December 16, 1952 – February 15, 2023

Phoenix Memorial Park & Mortuary

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services