Eugene C. Stewart

The funeral service for Eugene C. Stewart, 90, of Racine,Mn. will be at 11:00 A.M. on Monday(March 26, 2018) at Redemption Hill Church in Stewartville,Mn. with Rev. Curly Werth and Rev. Chad Skaren officiating. Burial will follow at Hamilton Cemetery in rural Racine,MN. Mr. Stewart boarded the train for Glory on Wednesday (March 21, 2018) at Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield,MN, where he had been a resident since August of 2014.

Eugene Charles Stewart was born on March 4, 1928 in Racine,MN to Elmer and Nellie(Kemmer) Stewart. He grew up in Racine, began school there and graduated from Stewartville H.S. in 1946. He worked in his father's business - Stewart Blacksmith Shop on mainsteet in Racine. He served in the U.S. Army for 2 years, including duty overseas in Korea as a steam locomotive engineer and returned to Minnesota following his discharge. Eugene was married on August 31, 1956 in Racine,Mn. to Mary Lou Taylor. Following their marriage the couple lived in Rochester for a few years, before moving near the Stewart Family homestead in Racine where they raised their children and have continued to make their home. Gene was a tool and die maker for almost 40 years at Crenlo Co. in Rochester. Gene was well known for his passion for steam engines and the days of steam locomotives, so much so he built several for himself and others. Mary is a homemaker. Gene was a past member of Racine United Methodist Church as a boy and young man and was an active longtime member of First Baptist Church, now Redemption Hill Church in Stewartville, where he served in many capacities and always enjoyed visiting following Sunday services. He and his dad, with their Case threshing engine, were two of the early members of what is now known as the Root River Antique Historical Power Assn. in Racine. He loved time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Eugene is survived by his wife - Mary; one daughter and three sons - David(Barb) of Millington,TN; John of Preston,MN; Steve of Rochester and Julie(Mark) Pearce of Brownsdale,MN; 7 grandchildren - Melissa Elford, Dawn(Oscar) Balderas, Greg(Jessica) Stewart, Angela Stewart, Steve(Teresa) Pearce, Christopher Pearce(Marissa Bornholt) and Nichole(Ryan) Eipers and 15 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A time of visitation for family and friends will take place 1 hr. prior to the service at the church on Monday morning. Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray F.H. in Stewartville. www.griffin-gray.com

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