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Stewart Johnson Obituary

Johnson, Stewart W., Sr. Beloved theatre artist, humanitarian and family member passed away on February 17, 2016. A celebration of his life will take place at the Skylight Theatre at 158 N, Broadway on March 5th at 1:00PM In lieu of flowers a donation to Unity In Motion would be appreciated. http://www.unityinmotion.org

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Feb. 25, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Stewart Johnson

Not sure what to say?





Devon Kirkwood

February 19, 2025

Just remember when you gave me an opportunity to work spot light for one of the David Seaback shows and for like 2 years straight I did that. Idk just thought I´d let you know that you´re on my mind today sir. And again just wanna say thank you for keeping me out of trouble when I was a kid. RIP Mr. Johnson and that time in my life will always be an anchor in my life.

Elijah Modnar

May 20, 2023

I drove by the Modjeska today while working and had some a whirlwind of emotions flow through my body. The summer of 2002 was a truly transformative time in my life and it was thanks to Stewart and Diane Johnson. They exposed me to something special at the theater and I met many wonderful people. I was unaware of his passing and I send my love and regards to him. A brief, but powerful moment in my life.

Devon Kirkwood

January 24, 2023

He gave me the opportunity to make a living when I was only 11 . Stewart you will forever be in my prayers And yes I´m doin good . BIP Mr.Johnson
Devon kirkwood

lisa and jim kedziora

October 21, 2020

he was like a dad to me and jim he will and is truely missed I am so sorry diane and stewart jr.

Ron Gural

February 19, 2020

Stewart was a great friend and one of the most talented designers I have worked with. He is missed.

Peter Hughes

February 19, 2019

The five years I spent with Stewart at the Modjeska Theatre were the most influential time in my life. I continue to pay foreword the generosity and kindness he showed me.

Ron Gural

March 21, 2016

So sorry to hear this - worked with Stewart on several productions. A terrific designer and an even better human being.
Will miss him.

Joanne Williams

March 20, 2016

Stewart was one of those creative geniuses whom you only get to meet once in a while. When my sons got involved in the Modjeska Youth Theatre, on a whim, they entered a world that changed all of our lives.
Getting to know Stewart and Diane was part of a transformation for my family. He will truly be missed. And now it's time to turn off the house lights and as he would say, GO HOME!

sam UWM Dance Dept.

March 8, 2016

Don't wanna know that Stewart's no longer with us!! Of course, he was rarely 'with us' as he was always miles & miles ahead of everyone, in his work, especially! My prayers go out to Diane and Family. Saying that Stewart will be missed is an understatement!!!!!! At least we (esp. those of us from UWM!) will have many beautiful, fond memories . . .

Susan Fry

March 7, 2016

I feel like there was so much more up Stewart's sleeve and in the twinkle of his eyes. Such an inspiration.

Lory Lazarus

March 5, 2016

Stewart I love you. I hope we meet up in some future lifetime to collaborate again. Thank you for everything. God bless you. My deepest condolences to Diane and her entire family.

Zulma Ruiz

March 5, 2016

I worked for the Johnson's for 10 years at the Modjeska Theater. They are great! Stewart you'll be missed. My deepest condolence to all the family. May the Lord be your strength and always keep Stewart Sr at his side. Love, Zulma.

March 5, 2016

I remember Stewart's creative, stunning designs that would make people gasp when the curtain opened, and how grateful I was that Diane and Stewart were able to give hundreds of students the thrill of rehearsing and performing in such a professional atmosphere. They saved the Modjeska so it could go on to another life, which I hope can be a long and fruitful relationship. Stewart noticed the little things, and his appreciation, encouragement, mentorship, kind words, and trust meant so much.
Karen Copper
[email protected]

March 2, 2016

Thank you for being such a welcoming person, Stewart. I will remember the passion you had for your work and the joy it brought to those who worked along side you. I wish I could be at the memorial, but I'm sure you'll understand. I have rehearsal.

Lance Odom

March 2, 2016

Stuart and Diane were the most influential people in my youth I was a part of the modjeska youth theater for many years I worked both on and off the stage there, but that wasn't what really touched my heart. It was there kindness and there opening of there home to me and my brother when my mother was in the hospital! Diane if you read this I am sorry for your loss and I love you and I miss you sooooo much!!Lance Odom [email protected] Apple Valley CA

W. B.

March 1, 2016

Thank you Stewart and Diane for being the grandparents I never had. You convinced me that I am special. I never wanted to disappoint you and I stayed away from drugs and alcohol and off the streets. I owe my successes to both of you!

James Matson

March 1, 2016

A great designer and a wonderful man, I will miss you Stewart and I thank you and Diane for all your amazing work at the Modjeska Youth Theater.

June Lehman

March 1, 2016

Working with Stewart was a magnificent experience. In exchange for office space at Modjeska, I did public relations for theater and other projects. Stewart was a creative genius, someone who saw possibilities everywhere. And he was a dear, delightful and whimsical human being. Very simply, he is irreplaceable, and I am blessed to have known him all these years. -- June Lehman

February 27, 2016

Diane:
I worked with Stewart on David Seebach's Illusions of the Night from the Modjeska Theater for many years and thoroughly enjoyed working with him. What a wonderful man and now he can perform his art on the great stage in heaven. My prayers are with you and your family. I was so fortunate to have known him.

Steve Kolb & Family
Wauwatosa, WI

RONDI JOHNSON

February 26, 2016

Milwaukee has lost a wonderful artist, designer and creative mind. He will be greatly missed by the Milwaukee theatrical community, friends and family members.

Laura Ebert

February 26, 2016

Stewart was a genuine nice man. He kept things fun and had great vision. I am grateful I knew him.

Erin S. P. BROWN

February 26, 2016

With the passing of Stewart Johnson Sr. The word has lost one of the few people that truly deserve the title of genius! Working for him at both Creative Services International (CSI) and at The Modjeska Theatre were some of the best times I ever had working. I learned how much I didn't know and then learned more by working with him, (we also had some wonderful artistic disagreements, and he was usaly the one that was correct).He gave me the opportunity to travel with him (once even staying at his mother's house, she was also awsome) he gave me the chance to have response ability for massively expensive projects and prove that I could handle them at a time when no one else would.Due to my current health situation (I'm homebound and require daily nursing care) I won't be able to attend his funeral however I do send my love and respects to Diane, Stewart Jr and the rest of the family.The last thing I have to say is that Most importantly he was a friend and mentor.

Peter Hughes

February 25, 2016

I remember a long drive with Stewart on the Apache trail near Phoenix. It was a wonderful drive of talking about nothing. Wondering what the world was about, what our place in it was, and what we could do to make it better. I was angry, selfish, and greedy before I met him. After five years at The Modjeska I left him burnt out, but caring, giving and confident. I learned more about mechanics, carpentry, and art than I could have anywhere else. Thank you for the knowledge, and the humanity. -Peter Hughes

Anne O'Connor-Blake

February 25, 2016

Thank you Stewart and Diane for the many years, many talents and many kindnesses you shared with our children.

Your grandchildren will miss their grandfather dearly as he was as special as they come! The world of theater will miss his flair, as well.

Rondi Johnson

February 25, 2016

You will always live in our hearts and prayers.

Rondi Johnson

February 25, 2016

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results

Make a Donation
in Stewart Johnson's name

Memorial Events
for Stewart Johnson

Mar

5

Celebration of Life

1:00 p.m.

Skylight Theatre

158 N, Broadway, WI

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