Richard Dean Stewart, aged 87, peacefully passed away at Edwards Hospital in Naperville, IL on December 10th, 2023, with his son by his side. He is survived by his loving son, Rick (wife, Alison), and two granddaughters, Kate and Libby, of Park Ridge, IL.

Dick was born in Neola, Iowa, on August 31st, 1936, to Cal and Ora (Classon) Stewart. He came to Fremont, NE in 1938, and as a child enjoyed playing all sports and developed a passion for golf while working as a caddie at Fremont CC. He graduated in 1954 from St. Patrick's High School (Bergan Catholic HS) in Fremont, NE, holding the record in basketball for most points scored in a single game (40 points) for several decades. After graduation, Dick attended the University of Nebraska-Omaha while working at the Chicago & North Western Railroad in Fremont. He later moved to Chicago for his job, where he met and married his wife of 53 years, Blanche, on December 27th, 1965. Together they had one son and made their home in Naperville, IL.

His Catholic faith remained a constant strength throughout his life, and he was a faithful member of St. Peter and Paul, Naperville, IL.

Dick was a friend to everyone he knew and was loved by many, including his family, golf friends, early Chicago friends, neighbors, and those fortunate enough to know him. He was the absolute best father to Rick, who credits his golf career to his father's influence. Dick proudly supported Rick in hundreds of tournaments, always by his side with words of encouragement and sometimes a damp towel as his caddie. His love for his wife was a model for others, and they enjoyed traveling, especially to Walker, MN, and Fremont, NE, to visit family and friends. Two of his greatest joys were his granddaughters, Kate and Libby. Fondly calling him Pa, they remember his presence at every event, big or small, near or far, cheering them on with his famous whistle.

Dick's career spanned over 35 years in industrial water treatment chemical sales, serving clients across the Chicago-land area. An early riser, he enjoyed leaving at the crack of dawn to see clients, ensuring he could make it home early in the afternoon to spend time with his family and enjoy an afternoon nap. An avid golfer, he started playing regularly at Arrowhead Golf Course on Sunday mornings in the late 70's. He developed a very special bond with this group of friends. Dick cherished their annual golf trip to Myrtle Beach in the fall and even celebrated a hole-in-one at Arrowhead.

In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by his sister Janie Baugh (husband Dean) of Fremont, NE, and nieces and nephews. Dick was preceded in death by his parents; wife Blanche; brother, Jim Stewart; sisters, Judy Neuhaus and Barbara Lanning; sister-in-law, Gerri Stewart; brothers-in-law, Darryl Neuhaus and Marvin Lanning; and nephew, Michael Stewart.  We will miss his love for snacks, hot air popcorn, famous homemade caramel corn, quick wit, "dumb as a fox" routine, and his endless love.

Memorial Visitation will be held January 6, 2024 at Nelson Funeral Home 820 Talcott, Park Ridge from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. A private family service will be held at All Saints Catholic Cemetery. For information contact Nelson Funeral Home at 847-823-5122 or www.nelsonfunerals.com