Gerald (Jerry) A. Stewart

Jerry Stewart, Age 93 passed away peacefully in his home on March 3, 2024.

A nearly lifelong resident of Madison, he was born in Chicago on April 29, 1930 to George and Kate Stewart.  The family moved to Madison in 1938 where Jerry was a graduate of West High School in 1948 and the University of Wisconsin in 1952.  After completing his army service in 1954, he followed his father into the insurance business, eventually managing Reliable Life and Casualty Company and then North American Insurance, both of Madison, until his retirement.

Jerry met the love of his life, Vicki, in 1956, on a blind date and they married in Milwaukee in August, 1957.  They had two daughters, Lisa and Tracy.  He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, a good meal and a good cocktail, Badger sports and Packer games, following the stock market, long weekends in Door County with friends, boating the Madison lakes and travel.  He served as President of Madison Jewish Community Council (now the Jewish Federation of Madison).  He volunteered for Madison School and Community Recreation driving a pontoon boat; and for SCORE, mentoring business entrepreneurs and small businesses.  Combining his love for family and travel, he and Vicki took their children and grandchildren on a cruise to Alaska and to a resort in Hawaii in recent years.  In retirement, Vicki and Jerry enjoyed spending the winters in Scottsdale, Arizona, where they were active with the Arizona Glass Alliance.  

Jerry is survived by his wife of 66 years, his children Lisa (Paul) Bebenek of Birmingham, AL and Tracy (Joe) Kaplan, of Pasadena, CA, and 4 grandchildren (Emily and Alex Bebenek, Zoe and Lily Kaplan).  The family would like to thank Gera Smith and Agrace Hospice for the excellent care they provided at the end of his life.  A funeral will be held at Temple Beth-El on Thursday, March 7.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Temple Beth-El, Agrace Hospice, the Madison Jewish Federation or the Capital Lakes Foundation.