LuAnn M. “LuLu” Stewart

LuAnn M. “LuLu” Stewart

July 1, 1937 – October 13, 2023

With hearts full of love, we announce the peaceful passing of our dear LuAnn Stewart “LuLu”, of Omaha, NE, who passed away on October 13, 2023, at Josie Harper House. She was surrounded by loved ones. 

LuLu’s journey began in Petersburg, Nebraska, as the eldest daughter of Orville and Ruby Qualsett. Her early years were spent in the small community of Albion, Nebraska, where, at age 13, she met the love of her life, George Lee Stewart. After graduating high school at the age of sixteen she went to Concordia College to obtain her teaching certificate and began her career as a teacher in Albion.

On July 8, 1956, LuAnn married Lee and they embarked on a remarkable 64-year adventure of beautiful companionship; a love story that continued until Lee’s passing in September 2020. After they married, they ventured to Tombstone, AZ, where Lee served two years in the Army at Fort Huachuca. In 1958, they settled in Lexington, NE where they were blessed with their two daughters, Kristine and Kamala. It was in this area that they built their dream home overlooking Plum Creek Canyon, and established Stewart’s Studio, a photography business that became an integral part of their lives. For 45 years, their business touched the lives of so many families in their communities by helping them capture some of their best memories, senior photos, family photos, weddings, and more.  LuAnn’s innate sense of fashion and her ability to help women choose the perfect outfits for special occasions became a cherished memory for many.

LuAnn’s life was filled with many wonderful experiences. She and Lee shared a passion for travel (especially to Mexico), gardening, waterskiing, boating, and embarked on countless expeditions to enjoy sailing regattas. Together, they helped found the original Johnson Lake Yacht Club, and LuAnn contributed to the committee boat and the organization of social activities.

Music and culture held a special place in LuAnn’s heart. She found her voice in her church and later at the Officer’s Club at Fort Huachuca.  Her love for music and the arts continued in Lexington, where she became a part of the choir at Trinity Lutheran Church and played a key role in establishing the Community Concerts program, which enriched the town bringing in famous artists and productions for 25 years.  She also helped bring in art exhibits to the community and helped establish the Lexington Foundation, which funded betterment projects in town. 

In 2006 LuAnn and Lee moved to Omaha, NE, to be closer to their daughter, Kami, and their three beautiful grandchildren. LuAnn was able to attend school activities, sporting events and make unforgettable memories with her grandchildren. In Omaha she extended her love to charitable organizations, sharing her warm spirit and compassion with her community. When she and Lee moved to Aksarben Village Senior Living in 2018, LuAnn continued her tradition of welcoming hospitality, ensuring that every resident felt at home upon their arrival.

LuAnn was preceded in death by her husband, George Lee Stewart; and her parents, Orville and Ruby Qualsett. She is survived by her daughters, Kristine Stewart and Kami Maloley (husband, Monte Maloley); three grandchildren: Kaylan Petersen (husband, Sean Petersen), Nathan Maloley and Stewart Maloley; one great-grandchild, Bowie Petersen; and her two siblings, Mavis Qualsett and Orville Qualsett.

We will gather to honor LuAnn’s life at the Heafey Hoffmann Dworak Cutler Mortuary on October 21, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Additionally, the family is planning a Celebration of Life in early Summer, 2024, at Johnson Lake, near Lexington, NE; which is open to family and friends. A Memorial will also be established.  Donations may be sent to the Lexington Community Foundation (Johnson Lake Trails), PO Box 422, Lexington, NE 68850. LuAnn’s love and legacy will forever echo in our hearts, and her memory will continue to bring warmth and laughter to those who knew her.

To view a live broadcast of the Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.