William L. Stewart

To watch a recording of the service, please use the link: https://youtu.be/ooKfMnaYXfE 

William Lee Stewart, 91, Grand Forks, ND, formerly of Gilby, ND, passed away on Friday, March 1, 2024, at Valley Senior Living on Columbia in Grand Forks.

He was born in Fargo, ND on June 3, 1932, to John Colin and Eleanor (Trowbridge) Stewart. Even though his parents lived on the farm near Gilby, Colin insisted that Eleanor deliver the boys in Fargo.

Bill attended grades 1-12 at Gilby School and continued his education at Wahpeton State School of Science.  Little did he know he would meet the love of his life, Frances Keech. She was still in high school, but he decided to meet people by attending activities at Foss Methodist Church. Frances recalls that he caught her attention while he was playing ping pong and that he was loud.  He was very competitive and could put quite the spin on the ball.  He fell in love, continued to court her and waited until she graduated from nursing school to marry in the same church where they met.  

During their early years he tried his hand in a few occupations, but farming was in his blood.  He farmed for many years in the Gilby area and when he retired from farming, he drove a school bus for many years, mostly because he wanted the opportunity to drive students to activities, especially basketball games.

He learned how to square dance for Frances, and they joined a club that traveled with their R.V.’s to the dances.

In his later years, they would love to travel to Grapevine, Texas and Las Vegas, Nevada to spend time with their children, grandchildren, and extended family.

These last several years he resided at Parkwood/Edgewood Assisted Living and Valley Senior Living on Columbia.  He grew close to many staff, putting his trust in them and loved to converse.  

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, John T. “Jack” Stewart”, and Robert David “Bob” Stewart; in-laws, Lloyd and Elsie Keech; sisters-in-law, Kay Thomson, and Fay Woy; brother-in-law, Delos Keech; daughter-in-law, Laura Thibodeau (Lynn).

He is survived by his wife, Frances Stewart; a son, Lee (Annette); daughter, Lynn (Carol); granddaughter, Andrea Trevisan (Matt);  step grandson, Nathan Bellinger.

Memorial Services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, March  8, 2024, in Valley Senior Living on Columbia Chapel.  In lieu of flowers/gifts, the family requests that any donations in memory of our father go to:  Gilby Presbyterian Church, 125 3rd St., Gilby, ND 58235, or Circle of Friends Animal Shelter, 4375 N. Washington St., Grand Forks, ND 58201.