Robert M. Stewart Jr.

Robert M. Stewart Jr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and leader, departed this life on May 22, 2026, at the age of 84. A wise man of remarkable integrity and humility, Bob was a servant to many, selflessly devoted to uplifting the lives of those around him.

Bob was born to Robert and Emma Stewart in Oil City, Pa., and grew up with his sister Elaine and brother Bill.

Bob planned on being a priest and studied for many years but was hesitant to make the final vow of deaconate, sensing he was unsure he could be completely devoted to that life and would never shortchange anything.

He was offered a teaching job at his local parish school and took that on, really never intending to be a teacher or educator. God apparently had other plans for him though. He left Oil City after two years of teaching and a friend got him a teaching job at Glenwood School for Boys in Glenwood, Ill.

It was there he met Rosemary Francis, fell in love and married, something Bob never envisioned either, but God had plans again for his servant. Their marriage was blessed with a daughter, Deborah, who added to their little clan when she met and married Jeff Bongiorno. They became amazing parents to three sons, Josh, Sean and AJ. God’s gift of a wife, daughter, son-in-law and three grandsons was the actual gift and mission that God had intended all along and provided the love, support and deep peace beyond all measure that made it possible for what Bob’s life would be called to do during the time he walked this earth. Bob and Rosie’s “Excellent Adventure” lasted for 56 years.

His early experiences as a Boy Scout when he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and the Order of the Arrow and serving as an altar boy at church for many years certainly helped shape and inspire what he would accomplish in his later years. Bob earned the reputation as an inspiring and respected educator and mentor to many young people and fellow teachers. He took on every task in education, including teacher, coach, counselor, dean, assistant principal, principal and president. His impact on others was immeasurable as many have testified. Many people often remarked how much they enjoyed working with and for him and valued his kindness, patience, wisdom and non-judgmental ways.

Bob was instrumental in the building of the new Aurora Central Catholic High School in Aurora, Ill., as well as guiding the academic and spiritual missions of that school for 30 years. Bob left ACC and moved to St. Cloud, Minn., to be the president of Cathedral High School/St. John XXIII Middle School in 1999. There he strengthened the school’s Catholic mission and long tradition of preparing young people to fulfill their life’s calling with strong faith and academic foundation. He also led fundraising efforts to upgrade old buildings and improve technical capacity.

Bob is survived by his wife Rosie, daughter and son-in-law Debbie and Jeff Bongiorno and their sons Josh, Sean and AJ, as well as his sister Elaine Melquist and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Bob and Emma Stewart, brother Bill, brothers-in-law Ron Melquist, Terry Francis and Fred Winters, sisters-in-law Carole Winters, and Joan Francis and mother and father-in-law Mary and Emmett Francis.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in honor of Robert M. Stewart Jr. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Grafton, Wis., on June 6, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. Visitation will take place at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the Mass.

Bob will be laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery in Mequon at a later date.

Please visit www.plopperfh.com to view the Robert Stewart Jr. video tribute or to send online condolences to the Stewart family.

The legacy of Bob Stewart will forever enrich and influence the lives he touched, and his memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends and all who were blessed to know him. May he rest in eternal peace.