John Arnold Stewart

John Arnold "Arni" Stewart, age 83, died on July 30, 2010 in Gilby, North Dakota. Arni was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota on November 17, 1926, with a twin brother, Dean, to William and Janette Stewart. The twins had an older brother, Lee, who died of pneumonia in 1929 at the age of seven. Arni attended Gilby schools, graduating in 1944. Following graduation at the age of 17, Arni and Dean enlisted in the U.S. Navy. They both served in the Pacific Theater for the duration of World War II. Arni was stationed on the seaplane tender U.S.S. Duxbury Bay. When the war ended, Arni and Dean attended the Wahpeton State School of Science in Wahpeton, North Dakota. They returned to Gilby and farmed together for many years in the Gilby area. Arni met Lila Jean Lucas at the State School of Science and they were married in Wahpeton, North Dakota on June 12, 1952, They resided in Gilby where they raised five children, Michael, Bradford, Jason, Diane, and Daniel. Arni was a 50 year member and past Commander of Peter J. Bjerklie American Legion Post #18 in Gilby. He also belonged to the Masonic Lodge and was an elder of the Gilby Presbyterian Church. Arni enjoyed western movies, the horse races, pinochle and poker games, and old time country music. For many years he was a familiar sight around the country roads near Gilby, making his evening rounds to look at the crops and wildlife. He and Lila travelled the world, visiting Europe, China, Africa and Australia. They also enjoyed many cruises with their children and grandchildren. Arni was a tireless supporter of Gilby and Midway sports, and drove his children and their friends to countless hockey, baseball, football, and basketball games. Arni was preceded in death by his parents, William and Janette Stewart; his brothers, Lee and Dean Stewart; his son, Jason Stewart; and his grandson, Samuel Stewart. He is survived by his wife, Lila Jean Stewart; daughter, Diane French; sons, Michael Stewart and wife Susanna, Bradford Stewart and wife Regina, and Daniel Stewart and wife Pegeen; grandchildren, Jennifer Kohler, Ryan Kohler, Seth Stewart, Patrick Stewart, John Stewart, William Stewart, Duncan Stewart, and Trevor Stewart; and one great-grandchild, Saphyre Stewart. Arni was a kind and patient family man, a true friend, and a loyal son of Gilby. He will be missed. Funeral services are 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010 at Gilby Presbyterian Church. Visitation is one hour before the service at the church.