Wayne Stewart , 102, Minot and co-founder of the Nielson - Stewart Inc., died Wednesday, June 26, 2019 in a Minot nursing home.

Wayne was born on June 19, 1917 to Rutherford Hayes and Augusta (Schulte) Stewart in Poplar, Montana. He was raised and educated in Eden Valley Township of Renville County and graduated from Eden Valley High School in 1936.

Following his high school graduation, Wayne was employed near Towner for one year, then worked in the Devils Lake area, until attending Minot Business College. As a young adult he was employed by Northwest Auto Wrecking, Great Northern Railroad and a local autobody shop. Wayne was once married to Ethel Blair for 31 years and they were the parents of five children.

Wayne partnered with C.J. Nielson in 1949 and together they formed Nielson Repair Shop known as a premier truck repair shop in Minot. He and his son Jim, who joined the firm in 1963, eventually purchased Nielson's shares. Wayne married Elizabeth "Betty" Haner in October of 1971. They made their home in Minot and spent the winter months in McAllen, Texas for 31 years. Wayne retired in 1981.

Wayne was a member of Vincent United Methodist Church, Moose Lodge, Masonic Lodge and Elks Lodge all in Minot. He once served as President of the Shrine Club and Eagles Aerie both of Minot. His hobbies and interests included hunting, fishing, traveling and working with stained glass.

Wayne's loving family includes his wife: Betty; sons: James (Debbie) Stewart of Minot, Allan  Stewart of Kingsland, GA and Ronald (Janet) Stewart of Ecuador; daughter: Carole  Smith of Jacksonville, FL; stepchildren: Allen and Paul Eidsness; sister: Dorothy Bohm of Minot; brothers: Donald of Sherwood and William (Avis) of Souris; grandchildren Brenda Studley of Huntington Beach, CA, Brian (Michele) Stewart of Grand Rapids, MI, Bridget (Daniel) Smith of Phoenix, AZ, Lori (Kevin) Esplich of Wichita, KS, Stacey (Michael) Chinnock of Lancaster, OH, Dana (Chris) Dodge of Niwot, CO, Shannon Pratchler of Ashtabula, OH, Richard Pratchler of Erie, PA, Kenneth Pratchler of Cincinnati, OH and Kellie (Michael) Fitz of Fargo, ND; 14 Great-Grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; daughter: Sharon and siblings: Vernon, Berle, Ada Ruth and Robert.

Celebration of the Life of Wayne Stewart:  Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in Vincent United Methodist Church - Minot.
Visitation: Tuesday from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Interment:  Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to the Shriner's Childrens Hospital.

Wayne Stewart Flowers