Ira Frederick Stewart

Ira Frederick Stewart, 93, of Burlington, died at 11:06 AM, November 13, 2021, at his home.

Born March 15, 1928, in Detroit, MI, he was the son of Jack A. and Georgia J. Mitchell Stewart. On June 11, 1993, he married Deborah A. Duttweiler in Burlington, IA. 

Ira retired from IAAP after 42 years, including 2 years at the testing site in Las Vegas. After retiring, he worked as a security officer, at Lowe's for over 8 years, at Hy-Vee for 4 years, and as Mr. Avon.

He was a U.S. Navy Veteran, serving during World War II for six years earning the rank of Radioman 1st Class. He was stationed on the USS Lexington and served in Guam. He especially enjoyed his time as Shore Patrol.

Ira was a member of SS. John & Paul Catholic Church. He was a member of the VFW, where he served on the color guard, and the American Legion. He helped organize and start the Saunderson Heights Neighborhood Patrol. He loved playing golf and bowling, putting together Thomas Kinkade puzzles, watching John Wayne movies, Snow White (the first princess he ever saw), and everything about the Christmas season. He was a ham radio operator and went by the handle, "Red Eagle". Ira was a dedicated family man who was happiest when the house was full of loved ones. He adored spending time with his children and grandchildren, even when that meant letting them put bows in his hair or painting his nails. He insisted on always having his picture taken with his girls before they went to a school dance, even if they had to come to his place of work.

Survivors include his wife, Deborah A. Stewart of Burlington; one son, Fred (Mary Lou) Stewart of Silverlake, KS; four daughters, Julie (Sonny) Andrew, Sarah (Matthew) McKee, Carrie (Justin) Wixom all of Burlington, Amy (Drew) Pelletier of Orlando, FL; 20 grandchildren; seven great grandchildren, and his friend and care-giver Tammy McElroy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Dennis Stewart; and one infant brother.

Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.

Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home.

The memorial service for Mr. Stewart will be 2:00 PM Wednesday, November 17, 2021, at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home with Pastor Dean Graber officiating. Burial will be in Forest Home Cemetery at a later date. Full military honors will be rendered by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard. Due to the concerns regarding COVID-19, masks will be required for the visitation and service.

Memorials have been established for the Cerebral Palsy Foundation and the Alzheimer's Association.

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