Stuart Lee Zmolek

Stuart Lee Zmolek, beloved by family, extended family and a myriad of friends, was an example of genuine love and perseverance through trial. He graced this world with his presence for 67 years. On February 20, 2025, he passed away peacefully surrounded by family, leaving behind a legacy of friendship and serving as an inspiration to all who knew him. Born on March 5th, 1957, in Newton, Iowa, Stuart’s life journey was marked with tremendous challenges. In Stuart’s early life, achieving normal developmental milestones was difficult. It was only at age 24 that he was provided with a diagnosis of autism, which at last fully explained the challenges he faced.

Stuart’s parents, Lee and Mary, worked tirelessly in their search for answers and appropriate treatment. As a result, Stuart’s early years were marked by his involvement in experimental programs such as the Doman-Delacato method at the Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential in Philadelphia. Lee and Mary recruited over 400 volunteers from around Newton to help Stuart complete rigorous routines designed to increase his cognitive ability and physical dexterity. Stuart also participated in Future Incorporated, a day program created by parents in the absence of any public education options. He earned his high school diploma at Ruby Van Meter School in Des Moines and later attended a residential school in Sioux Falls.

Continuing their pioneering efforts, Lee and Mary helped found a local nonprofit agency called Progress Industries (PI) which began in 1979. It was in 1991 when Stuart benefited from the creation of PI, where he discovered a new source of friends and independence. Through Pi’s residential, day-hab and work programs, Stuart was able to live successfully in the community for over thirty-three years. Through these experiences, Stuart played a significant role in the fabric of social life—he was first and foremost a loyal friend, making connections throughout the city and beyond. Through PI’s contract with the Maytag Corporation, he was employed completing light assembly, and through the City of Newton, he helped beautify our public facilities. Stuart also served as ambassador on behalf of so many other individuals with disabilities when he participated in frequent fund-raising walks for the National Association for Autism Research (NAAR).

A lover of the elements: air, water and fire, Stuart was an avid kite-flyer, loved to swim and enjoyed gathering logs with his dad for a winter fire. He also delighted in the lightning and thunder of Iowa storms and watching snowflakes in winter. A country music lover, he recently attended a live concert by Willie Nelson, his life-long idol, with his siblings Pauli and Mike. He also found deep enjoyment in the humor of his favorite shows like The Golden Girls and Keeping Up Appearances. Perhaps his most critical role was as a teacher—educating so many about the importance of patience, compassion and the inclusion of those with differences.

Stuart was a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Newton. He was preceded in death by older sister Paula Diane and his parents, Lee and Mary Zmolek. He is survived by his three siblings, Thomas (Mary) Zmolek, Mary Paula (Steve) Eades and Michael Zmolek; nieces Katherine (Brian) Jackson and Laura Zmolek; grand nephews, Maximilian Jackson, Conrad Jackson and grand-nieces Genevieve Jackson and Aneliese Jackson.

A visitation and vigil service will be held on Friday, February 28th, 2025, from 5 pm to 7 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Saturday, March 1st, 2025, at 10:30 am. For those unable to attend in person, the mass will be live-streamed on the Pence-Reese Funeral Home Facebook page. Tributes and stories may be shared online at: bit.ly/stuartz. Memorial donations may be made to Sacred Heart Parish and the Progress Industries Foundation.