Jack Stewart

Pearl Jack Stewart, age 92, passed away on April 23, 2026, in Shelley, Idaho.

Jack was born on December 6, 1933, in Teton, Idaho, to Frank Reed Stewart and Sarah Marie Willey. He was the youngest of three boys. When he was just two years old, his parents divorced, and he was raised by his father. Although he often spoke of the challenges of his early years, he also remembered a happy childhood—shaped by resilience and a deep appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.

At 17, Jack enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, beginning a 20-year career of service to his country. He served two tours in Korea during the Korean War in infantry combat units. His military life took him to several places, including an assignment in Okinawa.

While stationed in Okinawa, Jack received news that his father had passed away in Idaho. He returned home on emergency leave to attend the funeral, and during that time, on June 6, 1956, he married his sweetheart, Mardella “Della” Dorothy Entzel, in Idaho. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Manti Utah Temple on August 11, 1965—a reflection of the faith that would remain central in their lives.

After his assignment in Okinawa, Jack was stationed in La Jolla, California, where he and Della began building their life together and started their family. They were blessed with three children during their time there. While living in California, Jack also took college courses in commercial and fine arts. Over the years, their family lived in Hawaii, California, Virginia, and Montana, before eventually settling in Idaho.

Jack retired from the Marines in 1971 while living in Virginia. Following his retirement from the military, Jack worked for many years at Young Electric Sign Company (YESCO) in Idaho Falls, where he was known for his steady work and reliability.

Jack was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was introduced to the Church and baptized by missionaries while living in Hawaii. His faith became a guiding force in his life, and he served faithfully in numerous callings, including counselor in a bishopric, stake high counselor, and as a missionary for over 30 months at the Family History Center in Idaho Falls.

He had a deep love for family, both in the past and present. Jack spent countless hours preserving family history, creating “Forever Family Binders” for his children and grandchildren so they would always know where they came from. He also compiled a 500-page book about his grandfather, James Edward Stewart, and his decedents, in a project that reflected both his dedication and his love of heritage.

Jack was a hard worker throughout his life, someone who found purpose and satisfaction in providing for his family and staying busy. He especially loved spending time outdoors. Whether camping, hunting, fishing, or riding motorcycles with his “sweetie” Della in the hills, those moments brought him great joy. He also took pride in working outside and maintained a beautiful vegetable garden. In addition to his many practical skills, Jack was a talented artist and enjoyed expressing himself through his art.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Della; two brothers (Reed and Keith); four half-siblings (Jean, Jim, Judy and Jaye); one son-in-law (Matthew); and one granddaughter (Jennifer).

He is survived by one half-sister (Jessie); his children, Connie Pfannschmidt, Janice (Drew) Kofoed, and Kenneth (Cheryl) Stewart; as well as 14 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at Gables Assisted Living and Aspen Home Health and Hospice for the kindness and care they provided to our dear father and grandfather.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Nalder Funeral Home, 110 W Oak Street in Shelley. The family will receive friends Saturday morning from 9:30 a.m. till 10:45 a.m. at the Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Shelley Hillcrest Cemetery with Military Rites.

Those who would like to participate in the funeral service remotely are invited to view the service on a live broadcast on Nalder Funeral Home’s Facebook page.

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