Stewart H. Willey

Stewart H. Willey, passed away on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. He was 85 years old.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:30 PM on Monday, April 20, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church in Albert Lea, MN, with a visitation to be held for an hour prior to the service. Pastor Steve Piper will be officiating. The service will be live streamed by the church. Inurnment will be at the Bear Lake Cemetery.

Stewart was born on August 27, 1940, in Albert Lea, Minnesota, to Harold and Vera (Breamer) Willey. He was the second of three sons. Stewart was raised in Emmons, MN, and graduated from Emmons High School in 1958. After high school, he attended a training program for machining.

His parents instilled in him a deep faith, and he was raised in the Presbyterian church, which held great significance for him and his family. Stewart read the Bible often and cherished the Bible given to him by his very special Aunt Erma, reading it many times from cover to cover.

He met the love of his life, Judith, when his older brother Phillip was courting Judith’s younger sister, Vera. Stewart and Judith were married on October 7, 1967, in Forest City, Iowa. They were blessed with two children: Kathy and Eric. Family meant everything to them.

Stewart worked as a Tool and Die Machinist at various companies throughout his life. He used his training and experience to become a highly skilled machinist. He enjoyed his work so much that he set up a shop in his home with his own machinery. Between his knowledge of firearms and machining, he became known for his skills, and people sought him out for repairs. In his free time, he tinkered in his shop, working on firearms and other projects. Stewart loved everything related to firearms, from target shooting at clubs or ranges to attending shows and collecting.

An avid reader, he was fondly known to his family as a history buff. He loved to give books to his grandchildren, encouraging them to read and share. He had many stories that he loved to share with anyone willing to listen. From stories of his childhood to stories about anything from History, he had them all. Stewart enjoyed great conversations and would even throw in a joke here and there.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Judith; his children, Kathy Lau (Kyle) and Eric (Missy) Willey; grandchildren: Natasha Willey, Cole Juveland (Sierra), and Madison Willey; and great-grandchildren: Raegan and Toby Juveland; sisters-in-law: Vera Willey and Donna Hinch; and by nephews, nieces, and other relatives and friends.

Stewart was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Phillip and Douglas Willey.

May he rest in peace.

The service will be livestreamed by the First Presbyterian Church and may be viewed on their website using the following link: https://www.firstpres.us/livestream