DONALD D. “Old Man” STEWART III

Donald D. “Old Man” Stewart III, age 61, of Elgin, IL, passed away at home surrounded by the love and prayers of his family, Tuesday evening, May 23, 2023.

He was born April 26, 1962, in Elgin, IL, the son of Donald II Stewart and Sandy Langbecker

Don grew up in Janesville, WI, and attended local schools. He graduated from high school with the class of 1980 and couldn’t get out of there fast enough.

Don was walking his dog and as fate would have it, Penny Rechsteiner loved dogs too. She came out to meet the dog, but Don and his four-legged friend came as a package. A friendship grew into love and led them down the aisle on November 5, 1983.  They made their home in Elgin and have since made a lifetime of memories.

Don spent a lifetime in environmental remediation, making everything look good as new, as a member of the ATI Restoration company.  

Don had a love of firearms and a fascination with the stars. His gun collection was well cared for, oiled and always clean, and the sight of the night sky through his telescopes was crisp, clear and always amazing. He had a bevy of trademark and signature phrases, one of which was “that boy’s just not right” and was given freely and often. He welcomed his grandchildren into his heart from the first sight, and they became the first and foremost in his life. Don’s family included many “adopted” children over the years and as well loved as he was, Don enjoyed keeping “himself to himself”. Regardless, he will be missed by many and never forgotten.

He now leaves his loving wife Penny Stewart; three children: Steve Vercande, Stephanie (Kevin) Moller and Greg Stewart; 8 grandchildren: Mia and Laci Vercande, Lilyan Stewart, Dawsyn Wellenstein, Skyden Ribbon, Alyssa Moller, Nathan Moller, and Sophia Stewart,  â€œadopted” children: Colleen Barton and Colleen Fay; step-father, Gary Langbecker; 4 siblings: Greg Langbecker, Gari-lyn Langbecker, Natalie Stimpfl and Mike Stewart;  many nieces, nephews, cousins and a family of friends.

He is reunited with his parents, Donald II and Sandy Stewart and one grandson Dylan Vercande who preceded him in death.

Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. with a funeral service to follow at 4 p.m., Saturday, May 27, 2023, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119. Private family interment will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Don’s name. Checks may be made to the “Donald D. Stewart III Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Memories and tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.