Robert "Bob" Deckerd Stewart

Robert “Bob” Deckerd Stewart, 99, of Spencer, Iowa, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2026, at St. Luke Lutheran Home in Spencer, with family by his side. He was born at home in Webb, Iowa, on February 4, 1927, to Jay Howard Stewart and Lora Deckerd Stewart. He was the second of four children, including his older brother James, younger sister Nancy, and sister Mary Jane, who died in infancy.

Bob attended Webb School through the 11th grade and completed his senior year at Kemper Military Academy in Boonville, Missouri, graduating in 1944. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy that same year and served as a radio operator aboard the escort carrier USS Rendova based in San Diego. He was honorably discharged in1946 and remained a lifelong member of the American Legion. In August 2013, he proudly participated in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

After his military service, Bob attended Buena Vista College, graduating in 1950. Following in his father’s footsteps, he spent his entire working career in banking—a profession he truly loved. He began at Citizens State Bank in Webb, then moved to First State Bank in Sioux Rapids, where he served the community for many years until his retirement in 1989. He and his wife Shirley also operated an income tax preparation business, assisting many local families.

Bob married Shirley Donaldson on June 11, 1948. They shared 46 happy years together, building a home and raising their family in the Webb community. They enjoyed their lake home on Big Spirit Lake and later traveling extensively in their motor home to Arizona and Florida. Shirley passed away in 1994.

In 1995, Bob married Shirley Hart. They enjoyed traveling, cooking, and dancing together until her passing in 2001.

In 2002, at the age of 75, Bob married Beverly Woodford Donaldson. Living at The Highlands in Spencer for 24 years, they shared many beautiful years filled with family, friends, travel, and simple joys. They spent happy days at Beverly’s lake home on Garfield Lake in Minnesota, visited family in Georgia, and cheered on the Minnesota Twins and Iowa Hawkeyes. Bob and Beverly were active members of the First Christian Church in Spencer.

Bob was a lifelong learner who embraced technology early on. He enjoyed carpentry, brickwork, sailing, fishing, boating, bread baking, and playing dominos with family and friends. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and was generous with both his time and financial contributions to his community.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wives Shirley Donaldson Stewart and Shirley Hart Stewart; his siblings; and his stepson David Donaldson

Bob is survived by his loving wife Beverly; his children Robert (Suzan), Sidney Rasmussen (Steve), Tom (Cheri), and Mary Beth Richerson (George); his stepchildren Alan Donaldson (Linda), Linda Gray (Tim), and Janice Donaldson (and friend Ellie Studer); his stepdaughter-in-law Anita Donaldson; and many cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

*In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Bob's name.