Robert "Bob" Charles Stewart

Robert “Bob” Charles Stewart (Coach Stewart) of Shoreview was born November 24, 1936, to Frank and Ella (Johnson) Stewart in Milaca, Minnesota and passed away peacefully on May 16, 2023, at age 86. Growing up in Milaca, Bob loved playing football, basketball, and baseball, and competing in track. He graduated from Milaca High School in 1954.

Football and track were also highlights of his time at St. Cloud State College, where he graduated with degrees in history and physical education. He did graduate work at the University of Minnesota. Bob married Joanne Sahlstrom of Milaca on August 16, 1958. They spent the summer of 1963 on a European camping trip, picking up a red Volkswagen bug in Hamburg and driving it on a grand, but humble, tour of the continent. They shipped the Volkswagen home from the port of Rotterdam, and for 16 years its loud, distinctive, rumble accompanied Bob’s commute to work.

Bob began teaching and coaching at Mounds View High School in 1958 and served there until 2004. While at Mounds View, he coached 32 years of football, 12 years of cross country, 42 years of track, and was active in developing and promoting the weight training program. As head track coach from 1963 to 1985, Bob’s dedication to the athletes and teams helped establish a tradition that continues to thrive. Mounds View’s “Stewart Track and Field” was named in recognition of his contribution.

During his time teaching and coaching at Mounds View, his calm, even-tempered demeanor earned him the nickname "Mellow Bob".

A man of deep faith, Bob shared it by leading a Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) huddle. The group met weekly at his home for many years. The consistent way he lived his life was his most effective testimony.

Bob enjoyed travel his whole life. On summer breaks when his sons were young, he and his family would head west for camping road trips. Memorable stops included Yellowstone and Glacier National Park, as well as Dinosaur Park and Reptile Gardens. In later years the pace was more leisurely, and accommodations less spartan, with family trips to the North Shore and Gull Lake. There his
grandchildren kept him busy hiking, fishing, disc golfing, and rollerblading.

After retiring from teaching and coaching, Bob returned to the track as an athlete, throwing the discus and hammer in the Minnesota Senior Games and other regional competitions. As soon as the snow melted each spring, he was eager to resume throwing.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Ella Stewart, sister Lucille McAlister, brother Dick Stewart, brother-in-law Pat McAlister, nephew Jim McAlister, and grandfather Nels Johnson.

Bob is survived by wife of 64 years Joanne, sons Paul (Leigh) Stewart, Mark (Doreen) Stewart, granddaughter Hannah (Luke) Brogan, grandson Caleb Stewart, great-granddaughters Kealani and Indie Brogan, sister Diane (Herb) Hedin, sister-in-law Judy Stewart, and many nephews and nieces.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, June 4 from 4 – 7 PM at Bradshaw Funeral & Cremation Services, 4600 Greenhaven Dr, White Bear Lake, MN 55127.

A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, June 5, 2023, at 11 AM at First Evangelical Free Church, 2696 Hazelwood St, Maplewood MN 55109. Visitation at the church from 10 - 11 AM prior to the service and a lunch at the church following the service.

Celebration of Life will also be available to view at  www.firstefc.org/livestream
Memorials preferred to The Alzheimer's Association www.alz.org or donor’s preference.