Born in Kankakee, Illinois in 1927, Carl graduated from Kankakee High School and then Michigan University in 1945 with a degree in forestry. He worked fire lookout towers in Idaho National Forests during summers before marrying his sweetheart, Charlene [nee Benedict] in 1950.
The couple became Columbus residents in 1972, where they were members of Asbury United Methodist Church. Carl worked for the Hoosier Trails Council of the Boy Scouts of America, retiring in 1992 after 30 years of service, recognized by the mayor’s declaration of October 25, 1992 as Carl E. Stewig Day. Adding his volunteer service, prior to and following his Boy Scout career, Carl dedicated over 6o years of service to developing young men in the Scouting tradition. Family and friends recently contributed a brick in Carl’s name to the newly remodeled Philmont Scout Museum walkway.
Carl was predeceased by his beloved wife in 2011 after 61 years of marriage. Carl is survived by two sisters: his twin Carol Hey and sister Marilyn Cohen. He will be dearly missed by all three surviving children, Mark Stewig (Marianne), Jeffery Stewig and Daughter, Cheryl Lynn (Stanley) Dratler [nee Stewig].
Carl will be fondly remembered by his 3 grandchildren, Christina Goebel, Patrick Harrison, and Katrina Blair, and his many great-grandchildren.
Carl also served in the United States Army at the end of WWII as a member of the ski patrol. He was active in the Columbus community with the United Way and other efforts until his recent move to Florida in 2017.
A celebration of Carl’s life will begin with visitation at the Myers-Reed Chapel at 3729 25th Street, 5:00~7:00 p.m. Thursday and from 9:00 a.m. to service time Friday at the church. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday at Asbury United Methodist Church, 1751 27th St. with the Reverend Dave Blystone presiding. Interment will be at Flatrock Cemetery, 550 N & River Rd. with pall bearers representing the Boy Scouts of America.
Contributions in celebration of Carl’s life may be made in his name to:
Asbury United Methodist Church, 1751 27th St. Columbus IN 47201; (812) 372-4555; Hoosier Trails Council of the BSA, 5625 E. St. Rd. 46, Bloomington, IN 47401 (812) 336-6809; or National Park Foundation/U.S. National Parks Service @ www.nationalparks.org.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.myers-reed.com.
Myers~Reed Chapel on 25th Street is assisting the Stewig family.
