Steward “Stewie” Gerhard Beltz

Steward was born on July 25, 1950 to Gerhard and Ida Johanna Beltz in Shawano, Wisconsin He attended St. James Lutheran Church and went to and graduated from St. James Lutheran School Shawano. Steward was both baptized and confirmed by Rey, Harold Parsch, Steward then graduated from Shawano High School in 1968. While in High School, Steward worked at Rognlien’s Pharmacy, which had a Soda Fountain Steward made the best Vanilla Phosphates in town. After graduating from High School, Steward worked at Dey’s, North Country Mobile Homes and lastly, Stone Creations.

Steward had a kind and gentle spirit. He never had an unkind word to say about anyone. All of Steward’s friends meant the world to him. One of Steward’s best qualities is that he had the ability to organize and cause people to come together for a get-together. Steward would set the date, time and place to meet, get the word out to everyone and to honor Steward, people would just show up. People would come from all parts of the country to get together and enjoy seeing people that they had not seen since high school.

Steward was a man of faith. Senior services at St. James Lutheran Church was his favorite service to go to. Another favorite place that Steward liked to go to was the Symco Shakedown. Steward went to the very first Symco Shakedown in 2009. Steward fell in love with all of the activities there and especially all of the Hot Rods that were on display from all parts of the Midwest. Vintage Campers can be seen at the Symco Shakedown from all parts of the Midwest and people dress in Vintage clothing. At one time, the event had a Roller Derby, and they have an annual Miss Symco Contest. Steward loved to have his picture taken with all of the individual contestants. He never missed a year of going to it.

Steward also had a love for Snowmobiles. He had a Polaris Snowmobile and an Arctic Cat. His most favorite was the Arctic Cat. He belonged to Acres for Recreation and served as the President, at one time. He did a lot of snowmobiling in the UP riding 450 miles at a time. He made weekly trips with Lou’s Rough Riders. In the Spring and Summer, you would see Steward at the Shawano Race Track, being a part of the Pit Crew for MJ McBride. Steward could tell you many stories about the racing world.

Steward was a known Historian. He knew so much about the history of Shawano and the people that were involved in its history. If others were discussing something about Shawano and no one knew the answer, the comment was, “Ask Steward. He`ll know.” And he usually did. Steward’s favorite places to eat were the Farm Inn and Shawano Café. He liked to give all of the waitresses a hard time, plus the food was good.

Steward would like to thank Jeff Druckrey and Amy Dillenburg for all of their time and compassion to help Steward through his journey in life. It meant so much to Steward to know that he had good friends to stand by him and support him. Steward would also like to thank Jovi Laatsch and Aleshia Spreeman for everything that they did for him. He called Amy, Jovi and Aleshia “his nieces.” They were there for Steward when he needed help and he knew he could call and depend on them.

Steward fought the good fight. On top of going to dialysis 3 times per week for almost 7 years, he also had Covid, twice; pneumonia, and finally pancreatic cancer. His body could no longer

survive.

Steward is survived by his brother, Silas, numerous cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerhard and Ida Johanna Beltz.

As per Steward’s greatest ability to call people together for a get-together, Steward’s funeral will be held at St. James Lutheran Church in Shawano at 11 AM on Saturday May 9, 2026. Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday, May 9, 2026 from 9am until the time of service. Inurnment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery at a later date.

Rest in Peace, Steward. Our lives are better for having you in it!

The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville is assisting the Beltz family with arrangements.

An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.