Gerald Arthur Stewart

Gerald Arthur “Jerry” Stewart, Sr., age 78, of Michigan City, Indiana, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Jerry was born on April 11, 1948, in Michigan City, Indiana, to the late Warren R. and Pearl (Batzel) Stueck. A lifelong resident of the Michigan City area, he graduated from Elston High School in 1966.

In 1967, Jerry answered the call to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Army. He served during the Vietnam War, where his courage and sacrifice earned him both the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. His military service was an important chapter in a life defined by strength, loyalty, perseverance, and a deep commitment to those he loved.

Following his time in the Army, Jerry built a long and dedicated career as a service technician with Tonn and Blank Construction in Michigan City. For more than 42 years, he brought to his work the same determination and ingenuity that characterized so much of his life. Jerry could fix just about anything. If he encountered something he did not know how to repair, he simply kept working at it until he figured it out. Giving up was rarely an option for Jerry, and his family knew there was very little that couldn't be solved with enough time, patience, and a little determination.

On October 26, 1997, Jerry married the love of his life, Nancy (Livesay) Stewart. The two first met while they were both working in Mishawaka, beginning a relationship that grew into a loving marriage and a beautiful life together. For 29 years, Nancy was his partner, companion, and his “lady.” Jerry was fiercely devoted to his family and especially protective of Nancy. Beneath his strength was an incredibly kind and generous heart. If someone needed help, Jerry was there, always willing to lend a hand, share his knowledge, or simply do whatever needed to be done.

Family was at the center of Jerry’s life. When his children were involved in 4-H, he raised draft horses and spent countless hours in the barn and at the fairgrounds during the county fair. Those years created many treasured family memories and reflected Jerry’s willingness to wholeheartedly support the things that mattered to his children. Among the animals on the farm was a goat named Jeremy, who held a particularly special place in Jerry’s heart.

Jerry also had a soft spot for his four-legged companions. His beloved dogs, Bella and Sophia, were his special girls and could often be found close by his side. Bella’s passing before Jerry was deeply felt, and she remained a cherished part of his memories.

Jerry was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Michigan City. As a proud veteran, he was also a member of the American Legion Skwiat Post 451 in Michigan City and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 29 years, Nancy Stewart; his children, Melanie Lynn Albano (Jim), Gerald A. Stewart, Jr., Michael Brandon Roe (Jennifer), and Tamara Lynn Vegh (Mark); son-in-law, David Roth; grandchildren, Haley Marie Demartinis (Keyano), Tyler James Albano (Jersey), Emily Claire Albano, Ryan James Albano (Michelle), Amber Nicole Crosby (Bob), Trevor Roth, Devon Roth, and Colin Roth (Courtney); great-grandchildren, Elliott Roth and Bronson Roth; brothers, John Stueck and Chris Stueck (Cheryl); sisters, his twin, Geraldine Volstorf (Russell), Sharon Clemons, Donna Uyu, and Cheryl Sadenwater (Garry); as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his daughters, Dawn Marie Roth and Cynthia Sue Roe; brother, Warren R. Stueck; sister, Emma Parker; and his beloved four-legged girl, Bella.

A memorial service celebrating Jerry’s life will be held at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive guests at the funeral home from 12:00 noon until the time of the service. Burial will immediately follow at Swan Lake Memorial Gardens in Michigan City, where military honors will be rendered in recognition of Jerry’s honorable and courageous service to his country.

Jerry leaves behind a legacy built not only upon his years of hard work or the things his capable hands could repair, but upon the people he loved and cared for throughout his life. He was a man his family could depend upon—a steady presence, a protector, a helping hand, and a source of strength. His love for Nancy, his devotion to his children and grandchildren, his kindness toward others, and his willingness to always be there when someone needed him will remain his greatest legacy. Though his hands are now at rest, the life he built, the lessons he taught, and the love he gave so freely will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know and love Jerry.