Tony Stewart

Burlington

Tony Stewart (the man – the myth – the legend), at age 66, of Burlington died suddenly on Thursday, April 23, 2026 on arrival at a Minot hospital.

Tony Earl Stewart was born on August 10, 1959 in Minot, ND to Earl “Willie” and Genevieve (Olson) Stewart. He was raised and educated in Minot and graduated from Minot High School in 1977.

Growing up, he was passionate about baseball. He also enjoyed reading and collecting comic books, baseball cards, reader’s digest, and hunting magazines. His family traveled extensively as his father was in the military. So many special memories and stories of when they lived in Germany, Oregon, Florida, and Montana.

He married Nancy Younker on December 15, 1979 at Zion Lutheran Church in Minot. They made their home in Burlington where they raised their two sons, TJ and Travis.

Tony was employed by Mattson Construction for thirty-eight years, eventually becoming a Construction Superintendent for the company. For the last year and a half, he was the City of Minot Building Inspector, which he absolutely loved, especially Thursday lunch dinners with “the guys” when he got to pick the venue.

He was a member of the Carpenters Union and a former member of the Souris Valley Golf Course Men’s Group. He was an avid sportsman who enjoyed: darts, shooting pool, bowling, ice fishing, hunting, golfing, traveling, and of course he especially enjoyed being the passenger princess on 5-star pontoon rides with his captain Dan.

Tony was a larger-than-life presence–both in stature and spirit. A tall man with an even bigger personality. He was known for his booming laugh, playful pranks (You’re It, Tummy Pillow, & Bunt Game), spitball guns, customized hat collection, and was always up for a good joke.

He was a deeply devoted family man. He shared 46 wonderful years of marriage to his beloved wife, building a life grounded in love, loyalty, and partnership. He was Nancy’s rock! They did everything together – shooting darts, cheering for the Cowboys (maybe just Tony), date nights, splurging on their favorite dessert, and enjoying their summers at Strawberry Lake.

As a father, he was strong, steady, and always present. He was passionate about supporting their activities. Always playing catch and hitting balls, with the fundamentals being the most important! He loved coaching the boys in t-ball, basketball, and golf. He gave great advice, all while teaching them life lessons and giving them roots to stand on.

Being a grandpa was undoubtedly his life’s greatest blessing. His grandchildren meant the world to him. He loved spending time with them – whether it was making a quick buck helping him work, playing games and always winning, or just attending sporting events – he always entered the events as quietly as he exited. We all knew he was there, beaming in pride shouting “that’s my grandkid”!

He was known for his humor and lighthearted nature, but also carried a quiet strength and seriousness when it mattered most. He was reliable, protective, deeply caring, and just a little bit stubborn. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, and unforgettable memories that will live on, in all who knew him. He made life brighter just by being present.

Tony’s loving family includes his beloved wife of 46 years: Nancy; children: TJ (Melissa) Stewart and Travis Stewart; his cherished grandchildren: Aiden, Isaac, Ian, Ella, Aubrey and Asher; siblings: Steve (Sue) Stewart and Gayle Varty; in-laws: John (Kathy) Younker and Berta (Dan) Degenstein and several amazing nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Genevieve Stewart and in-laws Herbert and Maxine Younker.

Celebration of the Life of Tony Stewart: Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church – Minot.

A livestream of the service may be viewed by using the link in the website obituary.

Interment will be in Rosehill Memorial Cemetery (Minot) TBD.

Visitation: Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home – Minot.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be given in his honor.

Donations will then be given to youth organizations that he was supportive of, such as: Burlington Recreation Commission & Minot Soccer Association Capital Campaign

Published by The Minot Daily News, April 28, 2026.