David Mark “Dave” Stewart

David Mark “Dave” Stewart, age 76, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on January 11, 2026, at UnityPoint Methodist Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on January 7, 1950, in Des Moines, Iowa.

Dave attended Tech High School and married Carol Sorensen in 1970. Together they built their home and raised their family in Des Moines, Iowa. This past year, they celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary.

He was the third-generation owner of the family business, Sorensen Equipment, a restaurant supply company where he designed commercial kitchens and sold equipment. Later in life, Dave taught at DMACC’s truck driving school and enjoyed driving trucks, which allowed him to pursue his passion for photography as he traveled throughout the Midwest. Many of his photographs are proudly displayed in his family’s homes.
Dave loved fishing and took annual trips to Leech Lake in Minnesota and the Boundary Waters in Canada. In retirement, he discovered a love for woodworking, creating treasured pieces for his family—from grandfather clocks to full dining room sets. His craftsmanship and attention to detail were evident in every project he undertook. He also enjoyed making puzzle boxes, wooden banks, flags, and other keepsakes for his grandchildren. Dave’s love language was giving, and he found joy in creating gifts for those he loved.
A lifelong baseball fan, Dave was an avid supporter of the Chicago Cubs. He was actively involved in coaching and cheering on his daughter’s softball games and his son’s baseball teams.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick “Max” Stewart and Nellie May (Heggen) Stewart; his brothers, Frederick and John Stewart; and his parents-in-law, Edward and Jeane Sorensen.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carol Stewart; his daughter, Michelle (Jon) Ochetti of Minneapolis, MN; his son, Chris (Alisha) Stewart of West Des Moines; and his cherished grandchildren: Drake (Jana) Wick, Brody (McKenna Riess) Schlaht, Jacie Stewart, Grady Walston, Austin, Nicholas, and Ryan Ochetti. He is also survived by his brother Steve Stewart, and many extended family members and friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines, IA 50309. Graveside services and a private family burial will be held at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, IA.

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