Michael Stewart

Michael Stewart

July 28, 1957 - October 04, 2020

Michael Stewart

July 28, 1957 - October 04, 2020

Obituary

Mike Stewart was born on July 28, 1957, in Hebron, Nebraska, to his parents Jack and Pat Stewart.  He was the second child and first son for Jack and Pat, joining his sisters Lynne and Julie.  He grew up in Hebron as part of the “Dead End Gang.”  Mike was a rambunctious boy who created a lot of “excitement” in Hebron as he grew up, including when he drove to Kansas when he was 14 years old!

Once he graduated from high school, he attended the University of Nebraska for a semester, but decided he was ready for more adventure, so he began his career working on the railroad.  He joined the Union Pacific and worked in Nebraska, Wyoming, Colorado, Nevada, Utah and California, taking on more and more, culminating in him operating the Ohio Crane.  He always loved his work, and went on to work with the Metropolitan Transit Authority, Jackie Patterson Rail Construction, the CPUC and most recently Simon Wong – Kleinfelder.  Everywhere he worked, he earned the respect of his co-workers and created enduring friendships that continue to this day.

While living in Las Vegas, he met his wife Mary in the summer of 1981 at a ZZ Top Concert, and they embarked on a 39-year love affair, that included the birth of their beloved daughter Gabbie.  Gabbie inherited her father’s adventurous spirit, and they enjoyed snow skiing, water skiing, swimming with sharks and parachuting together!

Throughout his life, Mike was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, uncle and friend.  His goodness and kindness made the world a lighter and brighter place.  Those who knew and loved Mike are devastated by this loss, but are committed to carrying his legacy forward.

 

 

Visitation

  • Date & Time: October 15, 2020 (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM)
  • Venue: O'Connor Mortuary
  • Location: 25301 Alicia Parkway Laguna Hills, CA 92653 - (Get Directions)
  • Phone Number: (949) 581-4300

Graveside Service

  • Date & Time: October 16, 2020 (11:00 AM)
  • Venue: Holy Sepulcher Cemetery
  • Location: 7845 Santiago Canyon Rd. Orange, CA 92869 - (Get Directions)

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45 responses to Michael Stewart

  1. Doug Schmitz says:

    Mary and Gabbie,

    Keaton, Crew, and I really wish we could be there. We miss Uncle Mike so much. We are always thinking and praying for you all. We were wearing around the fedoras the other day and it made me tear up when I thought about how we had such a great time staying with you guys and how Keaton wore that hat everywhere. Mike thought it was the most hilarious thing and even brought it up last time Emily and I talked to him. We love you so much!

  2. Jim Clouse says:

    I think we all are numb from the loss of Mike and are trying to find words that can represent how we genuinely feel about him. To share a few of my words, I can say that he was a great person that shared his many years of railroad and life experiences with many. Mike had a calm nature about him and he impacted so many people in a positive way and I am not sure he realized that he did. I know Mike’s love of railroading carries on with all of us as we continue building on the foundation that Mike and other railroaders started for us. Mike was a leader in our industry and he always helped those that needed it and I think we all need to be more like him and share the knowledge. I will miss talking with him to get advice both personally and professionally. I will do my best to continue railroading in hope I can be half the railroader you were.

    I will miss you Mike.

    Our T/P for the Stewart Family.

  3. Mary & Gabbie:

    We’ve been blessed to your family as our neighbors/friends for the past 21 years. Like a lot of people, we’re still processing Mike’s passing, but we know he’s been healed in Heaven and that we’ll catch up with him there later. You’d think we’d come up with something more profound to mention here, but honestly, it’s the little slice-of-life moments that come to mind as we remember him, like how he loved the turkey chili at the Halloween potlucks, or how Frank would always run into him and they’d catch up at Chevron station on Portola, and how cute that wooden stage was that he built for Gabbie in your garage years ago. As you navigate the days ahead, we hope your own special memories of Mike will bring a smile to your face too.

    Jeremiah 29:11-13 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

  4. Vern Isgrig says:

    Dear Mary and Gabby,
    I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn about Mike’s passing. Mike was a true friend and was always there for me. I was fortunate to have had the pleasure of working with Mike on many projects over the last 26 years. I have nothing but great memories. We shared some lively times to say the least. Mike will be missed by all. I imagine your grief must be overwhelming. Please accept my deepest condolences. I am so sorry for your loss.

    Very truly and respectfully,
    Vern Isgrig

  5. Andy Else says:

    Uncle Stew,
    There are no words to describe how amazing you were. You were the best uncle a guy could ask for. I’m at peace knowing you’re playing golf with Grandpa Jack and Grandma Pat in heaven but life in the states won’t be the same without you. I appreciate all the advice you’ve given me over the years and I instill that into my own business every day. Life will truly not be the same without you but I know you will be watching down and guiding our family through this tough time. I can’t wait until we meet again and I can’t tell you how much I love you and I’m going to miss you going forward. Give Grandpa and Grandma a big hug for me. We will carry on your legacy and will meet again in the future. Love you Stew.

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