In loving memory of

Ian J. Stewart
June 20, 1977 - February 18, 2014

Area Man dies.

We are saddened by the unexpected death of Ian James Stewart on February 18, 2014. Everything that loves or is loved has an essence that endures, and Ian LOVED with his whole heart: his essence will endure. The world has lost a very special, bright light.

His was a spirit dwarven in nature, for he loved beer, food, and facial hair with equal amounts of zeal. Ian, connoisseur of Midwestern poutine as well as local fermented beverages, spent his free time mastering the art of Fry Daddy Jrâ„¢ cuisine. Ian had a gift for trivial facts and making people laugh. He touched the lives of everyone he knew: his friends from UW Whitewater, his co-workers at Insperity, trivia friends, gamers, and all of his extended family. He loved the Brewers, UW athletics, bacon, bowling, cooking, karaoke, and Rock Band, but more than that he loved the people with whom he shared these activities. Survivors include his parents Jim Stewart and Judy VanKirk, stepfather John Lippitt, sister Sarah Stewart, brother-in-law Drew Fleming, nieces Maxine and Charlotte, nephew Julian, grandmother Fran VanKirk, second family the Cadwalladers, and Loki. Ian will also be mourned by his aunts, uncles, and cousins as well as many, many good friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the suicide prevention link below, or to the Milwaukee Brewers Left-Handed Starting Pitcher Fund. Ian, you can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave our hearts. We know you tried.

Family and friends are welcome to join in a celebration of his life at the Great Dane Hilldale on Sunday, February 23rd from 4-8pm. There will be food and trivia and music. It will be a casual event and people are welcome to come and go as they wish.

Click on the link: nami.org

Tributes

Chad Parker wrote on Mar 14, 2015:

"I still miss you friend. See you again someday for another round. I love you. "

Jen wrote on Feb 28, 2014:

"Ian randomly became a small part of my life several months ago. We had some great laughs together and I've never seen a more enthusiastic Rock Band player. I will miss him more than he ever could have known and I'm happy he let me be there for him a few times when he needed it. I only wish he would have let me be there for him more. I have no other words, but will forever cherish the few memories I have."

Bel wrote on Feb 27, 2014:

"I'm so sorry for you and your family's loss Sarah. May the memories always keep him alive in your hearts. Hugs and condolences. "

Tina wrote on Feb 26, 2014:

"I was truly shocked when I heard the news of Ian's passing. I could not believe what I was hearing and is still unfathomable. Words will not heal the pain you are feeling but hearing wonderful memories of Ian from the many lives he has touched may help. I am so very sorry for your loss. Ian was such a fun loving, nice, and hilarious person. I really enjoyed the days in OCT with him! He was always so much fun to be around and was always smiling! He (and his grungy hat) will be missed by all. With a heavy heart...."

Melodie wrote on Feb 26, 2014:

"Ian is the person we normally worked with when we had timesheet issues. We are located out of Jamestown, ND. Ian was very dependable, would always let us know when he would contact us if he couldn't help us out immediately. He was very patient, kind and understanding. We will miss him. Our hearts go out to his family and friends. "

Meredith Cook wrote on Feb 26, 2014:

"After a few days of reflection, I am still without words for so many emotions. I loved this man more deeply than I can ever put into words. He made me realize just how much I could care for someone. I moved to Madison so that we could be together. Everything in this city reminds me of him, and that will never change. Ian was so unique and so fantastic, this world now has a void that can never be filled. His eyes always contrained a mischevious light in them, and that is a memory that I will hold on to so tightly - it will always make me smile. I am so sorry that his life ended this way, and I hope that he found peace and is finally at rest. Until we meet again Ian..."

Yvonne wrote on Feb 24, 2014:

"My heartfelt condolences go out to Ian's family, especially his mom, who I have come to know as a friend over the past few years and her husband John, a dear friend as well. Also Sarah and her children who I know through Judy. May his memory be a blessing. My heart goes out to you. My deepest sympathies that Ian couldn't find another way. "

Beltran Family wrote on Feb 24, 2014:

"Our heartfelt condolences to the family. We are sadden to hear of your loss. May you find solace in the love and memories shared together and may God comfort you with the words at John 5:28,29. Happily we can look forward to the day God promises to reunite us with loved ones Revelation 21:4,5. May this thought bring you some comfort in the days ahead."

Carol Hayes wrote on Feb 24, 2014:

"I did not know Ian but have been a friend of Jim's since kindergarten. My sincere condolences and sympathies go out to Jim and his family."

Torie Champeny wrote on Feb 24, 2014:

"Although I didn't know Ian, I am a friend/colleague of his sister's and I wanted to send my condolences to the family. May Ian rest in peace. "

Darien Dierkes wrote on Feb 24, 2014:

"I've known Ian since our college days at Whitewater. The card game sheepshead, was our bond. He was a great guy to be around. Always joking and having fun. We'll always leave a place for you at the card table Ian, and a place for you in our hearts. Rest in peace, my friend!"

Andrea Hareid wrote on Feb 23, 2014:

"I worked with Ian at Insperity, although not closely. I do know that he was well liked and respected for the work that he did. He will be missed not just for his hard work and expertise, but the friendships he formed and the fun that he brought to the workplace. My deepest sympathies go to his family at this troubling time. I do hope that you have better days ahead of you."

Jeanne Copeland Harper wrote on Feb 22, 2014:

"I obviously didn't know your son, Jim, but I know you, and my heart goes out to you and your family. My only hope is that you can find comfort in knowing that he found peace with God."

Noreen Burdick wrote on Feb 22, 2014:

"Jim, I am so sorry to hear of your son's passing. One must trust he has found peace with God. My thoughts and prayers are with you."

Walt and miki Krueger wrote on Feb 22, 2014:

"We are so sorry to hear of your loss our thoughts are with you in your time of sorrow."

Emily Corr wrote on Feb 21, 2014:

"We are so saddened by the news of Ian's passing. I have great memories of him (always in a Brewer's hat) at family cookouts. He was a such a kind soul. "