Pearl Stewart

Pearl Marian Stewart, 86, a resident of rural Underwood, died Tuesday, June 2, 2009, at her home after a brave fight with cancer, under the care of Lakeland Hospice. She was born May 18, 1923, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the daughter of Nels O. and Matilda (Meyer) Nelson. She grew up in the area.  On December 19, 1941, she married Alexander “AJ” Stewart in Fergus Falls. She was Mother to nine children, Grandma to 19 children, Great-grandma to 25 children, Foster Mother to 98 children, and Best Friend to many. After her retirement from raising children and moving from Chicago back to the area she loved, she worked at the Otter Tail Nursing Home for several years. She was a member of St. James Catholic Church in Maine. Pearl loved her annual “girls only” weekends every May for many years at the casino. She also enjoyed cooking and caring for her family. Preceding her in death were her parents; an infant daughter, Mary Jean; her brothers and sisters, and many other family members. Survivors include her husband, Alexander Joseph “AJ” Stewart of Underwood; eight children: Roccie (Jaki) Stewart of Aurora, IL, Druscilla Alexandra “Sis” (James) Retzlaff of West Bend, WI, Marlene (Richard) Tuma of Ladysmith, WI, Darwin “Dave” (Nancy) Stewart of Golden Valley, AZ, Rodney (Julie) Stewart of Waterman, IL, Merreo “Chip” (Nancy) Stewart of Fergus Falls, Lynn (Eric) Vogt of Elk Grove, IL, and Kim (Guy) Lombardo of Yorkville, IL; 19 grandchildren: Mark, Jimmy, Rocky, Cindy, Jesse, Annette, Tammy, Rick, Quentin, Dawn, Wendy, Kerri, Dustin, Vince, Sherry, Chippy, Tanya, Sam and Heather; and 25 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her pets, Brady and Missy, who brought her much joy. The family would like to thank Hospice, family, and friends for all their support and prayers. Visitation:  One hour prior to the service at the church Service:  10:30 a.m. Friday, June 5, 2009 at St. James Catholic Church in Maine Clergy:   Father Greg Paffel Interment:  St. James Catholic Church Cemetery, Maine Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Memorials are preferred to Lakeland Hospice in Fergus Falls. Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com