Stewart O. Fortney

Stewart Ole Fortney, age 79, of Rural Viroqua, passed away peacefully at his home February 27th, 2023. He was born August 23rd, 1943, to Malvin and Kathryn “Kay” (Smith) Fortney. He was baptized and confirmed at Franklin Lutheran Church, attended grade school at the Hinkst one-room schoolhouse, was a member of the local 4-H club and FFA. He graduated class of ’61 from Viroqua High School.  After school he remained on the family farm, quickly taking over the business as his own. On December 15th, 1973, he was joined in holy matrimony to Janice (Everson) Alderman, taking on the role of stepfather to her two sons Wayne and Wyman “Jake” Alderman. January 1981 Stewart and Janice welcomed a daughter Sarah. Throughout his life Stewart farmed and enjoyed spending time with his family, cousins and friends. He made two trips to Mexico. Stewart avidly went deer hunting/shining, spear & pole fishing in his canoe. He enjoyed playing baseball, horseshoes and pool. He loved skiing, runner sledding and flying airplane. He was good at welding and fixing tractors and spent many hours at his neighbor’s working on “their” tractors. He’d go joyriding with a friend or family to see the crops growing. He enjoyed watching western tv shows, watching and listening to the Green Bay Packers & the Milwaukee Brewers, listening to the  radio old-time shows  and classic country western music. In the early 2000’s he retired from milking cows to focus on tractor pulling and would often bring home 1st and 2 nd place trophies. Stewart had a big heart and would help folks if they needed. He was well known for his gift of gab and would talk to anyone for as long as they would let him. In 2014 Stewart suffered a stroke and was diagnosed with Lyme disease. He harnessed the stubborn will, and with faith in God, he recovered enough to still do many things he loved to do until the Lord called him home.

Stewart is survived by his wife Janice; his daughter Sarah Fortney; his granddaughter Avienda Inman; and his grandson Tharyn Fortney. Stewart is also survived by his; stepsons Wayne (Lauri) Alderman; and Jake Alderman; step grandchildren Mike Alderman; Nicole (Geoff) Lenser; Kristin (Al) Lindahl; Danny Alderman; step great-grandchildren Stephanie; Caleb; Henry; Hayden; and Lane; sister in-law Joanne (Tony) Cruz; nephews Tony Cruz Jr.; John Cruz; Joe (Gerlie)Cruz; Andre (Jennifer) Cruz; niece Momi Cruz Malspeis; great nephews and nieces; special close cousins James Fortney; and Carl Fortney; close friend Jim (Joanne) Melicharek; and many other relatives, neighbors and friends.

Stewart was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; uncles, aunts and cousins; nephew Adam Cruz; nephew in law “Chuck” Malspeis; nephew in law Bruce A Fornof; step granddaughter in law Katie Alderman.

Stewart was buried, per his wishes, in a special place on his home farm March 2nd, 2023 Honorary tractor and wagon transport driver: James Fortney Pallbearers: Wayne Alderman, Carl Fortney, Kerry Thompson, Hassan Fortney, Steven E Baker, and Gary Slack with Jeff Roth and Larry Fanta assisting.

Burial Officiant: Pastor George Shick
 

Family to host a Celebration of Life, August 12th, 2023, 1-4pm at the Franklin Lutheran Church, Folsom Wisconsin.

Special thank you to Vernon County First Responders, Roth Family Cremation Center, Mark Erickson, James Fortney, and Kerry Thompson.

The Roth Family Cremation Center and Funeral Services is serving the family.

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