Daniel Jay Stewart, of Stevens Point, passed away at Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital on April 6, 2023, at the age of 73. Daniel was born January 27, 1950 in Little Muskego, WI; eldest son of Jay and Ruby (Lamb) Stewart. He attended local schools and helped care for his three younger siblings; two brothers, Lawrence “Larry” and Douglas “Doug”, and his sister, Sandra. At the age of 12, most of Daniel’s family perished in a house fire; he and Doug, ages 12 and 9, were the only survivors. Following the tragic event, he and Doug lived with various family members and even a foster home. Eventually Daniel found himself in Iola-Scandinavia where he graduated from high school in 1969. Following high school, Daniel worked at various places like Wausau Homes and Weinbrenner Shoe Factory. He also worked at Lincoln Wood Products Inc. for many years. Soon after leaving Lincoln Wood Products Inc., he began working as a truck driver and found his passion. He enjoyed the trucker life, traveling the country and meeting many new people along the way. As a young man, Daniel had been married, but the two later divorced. In his marriage, he was blessed with two beautiful children; a daughter, Deana and a son, Jay. Daniel remained a constant in his children’s lives; he was a very proud father who loved his kids very much. Upon becoming a grandfather, he found a new reason for living. In all the sorrows he faced in his lifetime, his children and grandchildren were the light in his eyes. Daniel was a very active man who enjoyed the great outdoors. In his younger years, he stayed active with basketball and softball. Spending time outdoors brought him solace; while he enjoyed hunting, he loved fishing! His greatest joy in the outdoors was camping with his friends and family and sitting around the campfire. Those who knew his one-of-a-kind personality and heard his many jokes (sometimes repeatedly), can often recall memories that involved camping.
Daniel is survived by his children, Deana (Jason) Jankowsky and Jay (Jennifer) Stewart; and his five grandchildren, Austin, Sophie, Ethan, John, and Jaxson. Daniel is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. Daniel was preceded in death by his parents, Jay and Ruby Stewart; his 6-year-old sister, Sandra; his 4-year-old-brother, Larry; his brother, Doug, who passed in 2018; and numerous aunts and uncles.
A Celebration of Life will be held to honor Daniel’s memory on June 17, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Ott’s Park in Merrill, WI. Online condolences may be left by visiting www.shudafuneral.com.