WILMINGTON — Jason Max Stierwalt “Bear”, 44, passed away May 10, 2022, at home in Wilmington, NC.
He was born July 11, 1977, in Alton, IL, to Joseph Allen Stierwalt and Mildred Pauline (Satterfield) Stierwalt.
Jason attended Science Hill High School in Johnson City Tennessee. Upon graduation, he attended the University of Evansville in Evansville, Indiana where he graduated in 1999. On New Year’s Eve 2000 Jason met Kathy, and in the spring of 2001, he relocated to Wilmington, NC and later the two married on July 27, 2002. Jason had many jobs including, but not limited to; Mr. Mom, Home Manager/ Domestic God, volunteer, former girls’ basketball coach, Techniques In Motion “Dancing Dads” Trivia co-champion, mover of friends, demolition assistant as well as a variety of roles at Hasbro Toys, Verizon Wireless, Shoe Shak, KB Toys, and Enterprise Rental Car.
Jason’s devotion to his family, his girls, Kathy and “Jordy” were always at the forefront of the daily activities in caring for them. He often spent his day clearing away the mundane, the normal business of life to make free the time he and the girls would spend together in the evening and on weekends.
Depending on how long you knew Jason, you will either have a lifetime of stories to tell or at least one story you will tell for a lifetime. If he decided you were a friend, then you were a friend. Jason did not really give you an option other than participation in witness protection. He invested in his friendships as deeply as he did his family.
Survivors include his wife, Kathleen Stierwalt and daughter, Jordan Kelsey Stierwalt. Other surviving family members include his sister, Jo-Lynn Martin, and family of Unicoi, TN; brother, Joseph Stierwalt, and family of Suffolk VA; brother-in-law, William McMahon and family Huntsville AL; brother-in-law, Robert McMahon, and family of Leland, NC; and mother-in-law, Barbara McMahon , of Cincinnati, OH.
Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday July 9, 2022 from 3pm-6 pm at Bills Brewing 4240 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28403. Attire casual, wear your Hawaiian or party shirts. RSVP to [email protected]
Memorial donations can be made in lieu of flowers: Jordan Kelsey minor trust account, Wilmington Fire Department, Wilmington Police Department and New Hanover Regional EMS.
Kathy and Jordan wish to sincerely thank the Wilmington First responders, Azalea Health & Rehabilitation, Kathy’s work family, and the countless friends and relatives for the amazing outpouring of gifts of service, love and prayers during this difficult time.
