Mr. Stewart John Roche, age 101, of Hart, passed away Wednesday, April 5, 2017, at his home.  He was born February 17, 1916, in Grand Rapids to Emmett and Faye (Stewart) Roche.  He is a graduate of Catholic Central High School, Grand Rapids, (1933), and Notre Dame University (1939) with a Juris Doctor Degree (Magna Cum Laude).  He was Law School President (1939).

He practiced law in Hart from Nov. 1939 until May 1942 when he joined the United States Army, serving in the Counter Intelligence Corps from 1942 until his discharge, January 1946.  He was the first CIC Resident Agent in Grand Rapids and later was the CIC Agent in Charge of the Madison, Wisconsin branch office.  Stewart returned to Hart in January 1946 and re-opened his law office continuing to practice until 1984.  He served as President of Oceana County Savings Bank Hart, from 1951, until his retirement in 1984.  He also owned and operated Hart Petroleum Company (Mobil Oil Distributor) from 1960 to 1977.  Stewart was an early President of Hart Rotary Club and a Commander of the Hart American Legion Post.  He was a member of St. Gregory Catholic Church.  He was an avid golfer, having scored nine holes in one and was a charter member of the Oceana Golf Club.

Stewart married Elizabeth (Bette) Welsh on November 26, 1942 and preceded him in death on July 23, 2002. He then married the former Arlene Reames Osborn on February 21, 2004 and she survives him.

Stewart is survived by his wife, Arlene Roche of Hart; two daughters, Rebecca (Kenneth) Rathke  and Kathleen (John) Cochrane; five grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

The Mass of the Resurrection for Mr. Roche will be offered Saturday, April 8, 2017, at 11:00 am at St. Gregory Catholic Church-Hart.  Interment will be in Hart Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday one hour prior to the service at St. Gregory Catholic Church. The family requests that any memorials be directed to St. Gregory Catholic Church, 316 South Peach Street, Hart, MI 49420, or Harbor Hospice, 1050 West Western Avenue Suite 400, Muskegon, MI 49441.