Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
William Stuart Obituary
Stuart
July 22, 1937
February 22, 2022
William R. Stuart, 84, of Geneseo, passed away on February 22, 2022, peacefully at his home surrounded by his family. A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on March 2, 2022, at Vandemore Funeral Home and Crematory-Geneseo Chapel with Chaplain Michael Le Buhn officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30-11:00 AM prior to the service. He will be laid to rest at Cordova Cemetery. Memorials can be made in Bill's name to Beacon of Hope Hospice.
Bill was born on July 22, 1937, in Iowa City, IA the son of William R. and Edna Marie (Hasse) Stuart. He married Mary Hibernik in Alaska in 1956 and she still survives. Bill graduated from UT in East Moline then joined the U.S. Air Force where he served in The Air Weather Reconnaissance flying from Alaska to Russia. He attended the Federal Aviation Academy and spent 35 years as an Air Traffic Controller in Colorado Springs, Moline, Indianapolis, LaCrosse, and Oklahoma City, before retiring and teaching at the University of Oklahoma. Bill was a watercolor artist, loved fishing, bowling, woodworking and remodeling homes. He never knew a stranger and was a very devoted family man. An avid Chicago Cubs fan it was the highlight of his year when they won the World Series. He loved his faithful chihuahua "Pip" and always had a good joke to tell. His family will miss him dearly.
He is survived by his wife, Mary, children; Matthew (Mary) Stuart of Slidell, LA, Mark (Diana) Stuart of Geneseo, Deanna (Dave) Dech of Monument, CO, sister, Eleanor Cappaert of East Moline, grandchildren; Amy Stuart, Rachel (Tyler) Epstein, Christian Stuart, Ben (Adrea) Goetzman, Molly (Jeff) Lehman, Cori Dech, Brian Johnson and Melissa Johnson, great grandchildren; William and Maxwell Lehman, Paxton and Charlie Epstein, niece, Cindy Gast and nephew, Rick Cappaert.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Edna.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Beacon of Hope Hospice, especially Connie and Jennifer for their loving care of Bill.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Stuart
4 Entries
jack & Shirley Jeffries
December 13, 2023
So sorry.......we missed you guys......
jack and Shirley jeffries
July 10, 2022
Just saw this ....so sorry.....
Margie Parker (Margie Kreashko)
March 9, 2022
Mary and Family, I am saddened to hear of Bill's passing. He was such a wonderful guy, and I still have good memories of you and Bill when you lived in Colorado Springs/Elbert. I always think of you both when I see an old Bronco. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult of times.
The Leachman family (old neighbors)
February 25, 2022
We are thankful for you, Billy Bob! You and Mary are special people to us. Praying for the Lord to comfort all of the family as they mourn the loss of such a wonderful man. We love you all. God bless,
Kristie, Tirzah and Kenna Leachman
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Make a Donation
in William Stuart's name
Memorial Events
for William Stuart
Mar
2
Mar
2
How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor William Stuart's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
