Harry Michael "Mike" Stewart of Sutherland died at Great Plains Health on October 26, 2023, at age 73.
He was born March 2, 1950, to Harry "Gene" and Ruth Stewart in Sutherland. He grew up on the family farm and attended Sutherland Public School. Mike was quite an athlete; he was active in track, football and basketball. He went to State in each sport and was on two state championship football teams. During his senior year Mike was crowned Homecoming King. After graduating in 1968, he went on to receive his Associates Degree in air conditioning and refrigeration from Mid-Plains Voc-Tech.
Mike enlisted into the U.S. Navy in 1971 and served close to four years. Following his discharge he returned to Sutherland to farm with his dad. During the off season Mike worked for Bill Goedert at Goedert Electric and this led to him receiving his Class A Journeyman Electrician License. In July 1981, Mike went to work for NPPD at the Gerald Gentleman Station, starting as an electrician helper and later promoted, one step at a time, to Electrician 1. In July 1989, he was promoted to Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Foreman, a position he held until retiring.
On May 30, 1980, Mike was united in marriage to Andrea "Andy" Paulman in the garden of Andy's grandmother, Hazel Becker, in Hershey. The couple lived on the family farm, then moved into town. They welcomed three children: Harry Lee "Skeeter", Kristin and Jeffrey, and celebrated 43 years of marriage.
Mike was a member of the United Methodist Church, American Legion Post #208, and during the past couple years he served on the Sutherland Cemetery Board and Sutherland Hospital Board.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Ruth Stewart; and nephews, Sergey and Sean Gates.
Mike is survived by his wife, Andy; children, Harry Lee Stewart (Dakota McConnell) of Paxton, Kristin Givens (Matthew) of Sasebo City, Japan, and Jeffrey Stewart of Omaha; grandchildren, Thaniel Stewart, Jaxson Stewart, Cara Givens, Zariah Stewart, Kerigan Givens, Riley McConnell and Rylan "Bubba" McConnell; his siblings, Tim Stewart (April) of McHenry, IL, and Peggy Gates of Golden, CO; as well as other family.
Memorial service will be 11 a.m., Friday, November 3, at the Sutherland United Methodist Church with Pastor Mark Baldwin officiating. Inurnment will follow in Riverview Cemetery with Military Honors. The memorial book may be signed online at odeanchapel.com or at the church. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements. Memorials are suggested to the Sutherland American Legion or the church.