Cover photo for Gilbert "Sonny" Stewart's Obituary
1948 Gilbert 2019

Gilbert "Sonny" Stewart

April 6, 1948 — March 6, 2019

Detroit Lakes

Gilbert “Sonny” Stewart, 70, passed away at his home in Detroit Lakes, MN, on Wednesday March 6, 2019.

Gilbert Leroy Stewart was born on April 6, 1948 in White Earth, MN to Charles and Isabelle (Bigbear) Stewart.  Gilbert was raised in the Osage area with his four sisters Linda “Dirt”                Leonhardt, Nancy Bigbear, Marilyn Bigbear, Lorraine “Susie” Stewart, and four brothers Kenny Conklin, Charles Stewart, Gary Stewart and Russel Conklin.  He graduated from Park Rapids High School with the class of 1966 and later from the Vocational Technical College.

While living in Minneapolis, Sonny was instrumental in writing the grants for the Native American Indian Center in Minneapolis. He also worked in the construction business throughout his life, and worked many years for the Holiday Inn, in Detroit Lakes, MN, before retiring in 2008.

Sonny was always busy doing something around the house, he enjoyed building stuff, caring for his two grandsons, Chad Jr. and Dylan and watching Nascar with the boys.  He enjoyed visiting others and catching up on the latest gossip. He was truly a jack of all trades.

Deeply loved, Sonny’s passing is mourned by son’s Anthony, Delton, Greg, Chad Sr. and step-son Robert; daughters: Billie Jo and Christina “Cookie” Stewart, grandchildren: Charlene Stewart, Eljay, Cora and Casey Stewart, Chad & Dylan Stewart, Preston Jackson, Tyrone Butcher, Troy Jack, Alex Jenison, Perry & Landon Heinonen, Jacquar & Kaylene Burnette, Shellbie Tow, Elin Stewart & Taylor Libby, Nathan & Sicily Meyer; great-grandchildren: Ava Bunker and Chaton Clairmont; brothers: Charles Stewart, Russel Conklin and sister, Lorraine “Susie” Stewart; extended family and many friends from the Holiday Inn.

Sonny is preceded in death by his parents Charles and Isabelle; daughters Rochelle and Sheena; granddaughter’s Shawna and Brandi Mae; grandson Terelle; step-son Lawrence Butcher; sister’s Linda “Dirt” Leonhardt, Nancy, Marilyn; brother’s Gary and Kenny.

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Service Schedule

Past Services

Gathering of Family and Friends

Thursday, March 14, 2019

3:00 - 5:00 pm (Central time)

David-Donehower Funeral Home

609 US-10, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Funeral Service

Thursday, March 14, 2019

Starts at 5:00 pm (Central time)

David-Donehower Funeral Home

609 US-10, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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