Stewart Ray Ruwersma was born on March 10, 1943, in Valparaiso, Indiana. He was the son of Harold and Edna (Rittle) Ruwersma. Stewart was baptized as an infant in Indiana and later confirmed in his faith as an adult at Zion Lutheran Church in North Germany Township, Wadena County, Minnesota. He received his education in Boone Grove, Indiana, and graduated from the Boone Grove High School with the class of 1961.

On April 27, 1968, Stewart was united in marriage to Elsie Mae Harrell in Valparaiso, Indiana. The couple was blessed with four children: Mike, Jaimi, Nancy, and Stewart. The couple made their home in Indiana until 1969, when they moved to Minnesota, first to the Montrose area and then to Sebeka. They later moved back to Indiana for a short time, and eventually moved back to Minnesota in 1999, first living in Winsted, and later in Lester Prairie. Stewart and Elsie shared over 41 years of marriage when Elsie passed away on July 16, 2009.

Stewart worked various jobs over the years, he worked as a Dairy Farmer, at a sawmill, and in a machine shop. His last job prior to retirement was driving truck for McKimm. He was a member of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie.  Stewart enjoyed sitting outside and observing nature. He also enjoyed bowling in his younger years, as well as playing horseshoes.  He enjoyed playing cards and "going to work" at the casino, with most of his work happening at the blackjack table!  Stewart looked forward to meeting up with friends at the Waffle House.  He was very proud of his family and loved to spend time with his kids and grandkids.

Stewart passed away on Friday, December 12, 2025, at his home, at the age of 82 years, 9 months, and 2 days. Blessed be his memory.

Stewart is survived by his
Children, Mike Coslet (Jackie) of Maine,
Jaimi Foreman of Indiana,
Nancy Jones (Jeff) of South Carolina,
Stewart Ruwersma, Jr., (Jennie) of Minnesota;
Grandchildren, Nick (Natalie), Kenny (Darcy), Aaron (Corrine), Aaron, Evan, Alex, Michael, and Andrew;
5 Great-Grandchildren, Kya, Ava, Waylon, Tucker, and Quinn;
Sister, Marg Mace;
Brother, Gene Ruwersma;
Several nieces and nephews;
And his Waffle House Family and Friends.

Stewart was preceded in death by his wife, Elsie Ruwersma; father and mother, Harold and Edna Ruwersma; sisters, Darlene Blair, Ruth Dye, Kate Easton; Brothers, Ozzy Ruwersma and John Ruwersma.

Funeral Service will be held Friday, December 19, 2025, 11:00 A.M., at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie, with interment following in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held Friday, December 19, 2025, from 9:00-11:00 A.M., two hours prior to the service, ALL at the church.

The service will be live-streamed on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. You can access the live-streamed service via the church's website at www.stpaullp.org.