Loretta M. Stewart, age 76, of Merrimac passed away peacefully in the loving arms of her family on March 14, 2009 in her country home, as the birds began to sing.

She was born March 28, 1932 in Crandon, Wi to the late Alfred and Mary Wilson. Loretta married Lyman Stewart, her childhood sweetheart on Valentines Day, 1950 in Michigan. He preceded her in death on April 6, 1996. Loretta and Lyman built their dream home on an acre at the foothills of the Baraboo Bluffs, outside of Merrimac. A member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Loretta, was known for her love of birds (especially wrens, hummingbirds, robins, and bluebirds), her beautiful needlework and her love for her family. She was also known as a hardworking, loveable, caring mother that took care of all family members. Loretta will be sadly missed by her family.

She is survived by her daughter, Linda (Donald) Hohneke of Spring Green; two sons, Boyd (friend Deb) of LaValle and Leroy (Terry) of Hortonville; 8 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Dora Samuelson and Ardith Rosinski; and special friends, Jeff Dobratz, and the George and Carol Martin family.

In addition to her parents Alfred and Mary Wilson and husband Lyman, she was also preceded in death by her brothers Arnold, Woodrow, Raymond, Floyd, Jay, and Albert; and her sisters Opal, Bessie, Lorna, Lorene, and Grace.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 2:30pm at the United Methodist Church in Merrimac with Pastor Anita Genrich officiating. Burial will follow in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Merrimac. Friends may call from 1:30pm until time of service at the church.