Kenneth E. Stewart, 76, died Saturday, Feb. 2, in his Aurora home after a short battle with cancer. Born in Aurora, Mr. Stewart was a longtime carpenter who helped build many structures in the area, including the Paramount Arts Center, St. Joseph School, Blessed Sacrament Church, Blackberry Farms residential subdivision and other custom-built houses. He also built two of his own homes in Aurora. “All I have to do is look out my kitchen window to see several of the homes my husband worked on,” said his wife of 54 years, Dorothy. “He was a perfectionist when it came to his carpentry work. It was a real source of pride to him.” Mr. Stewart was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Carpenters Local Union 916, Lucky 50 Fishing Club, Winnebago-Itasca Travel Club, and Montgomery VFW Post 7452. “He really loved to fish, especially in Minnesota,” his wife said. “His tackle box was filled with what he called his precious tools.” Mr. Stewart was also a Navy veteran of World War II, where he spent three years in the South Pacific, based at Guadalcanal aboard the cruiser USS Cleveland. During his retirement years, Mr. Stewart traveled in his motor home throughout the country and spent his winters in Mission, Texas. Survivors include a son, Michael; two daughters, Kathleen Storch and Susan Hood; a brother, Curtis; a sister, Clara Pufahl; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Services have been held.
