Admired as a tireless worker by his colleagues, Will County Board member Frank Stewart died last week in his Joliet home.

Stewart, 66, was a diabetic and was undergoing dialysis treatment, fellow board members said.

“Frank was a tireless worker in our community,” said board member Denise Winfrey, who represented the same district as Stewart. “We are really at a loss.”

Winfrey, a Joliet Democrat, said Stewart was going through Loyola University Medical Center with the hopes of getting a kidney transplant. He was found dead in his home on Feb. 9.

Will County Executive Larry Walsh issued the following statement last week: “We in Will County are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend and county board member Frank Stewart. Frank has faithfully served the residents of District 8 in Will County for nearly 16 years. His passion for healthcare and education benefitted all Will County residents. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Frank’s entire family during this time of sorrow. He will be greatly missed, as a friend and colleague.”

Stewart began serving on the board in 1996. He represented District 8, which includes parts of Joliet, Jackson, Lockport and Troy townships. He is credited with securing improvements to the Ridgewood area and his involvement in making the discount prescription card to Will County residents.

Winfrey learned of Stewart’s death during a Will County Forest Preserve District board meeting on Feb. 9. A distant cousin of Stewart’s also works at the county and became concerned when Stewart did not show up for the meeting.

Stewart did make a public appearance on Feb. 1 during an event where county officials presented a $50,000 check to the University of St. Francis for the creation of an art gallery.

Fellow board member Herb Brooks, who also represented District 8, said Stewart was always fair and was a strong advocate for his constituents.

“He was a good one,” Brooks said. “I don’t know how better to phrase it.”

Stewart also served for 19 years on the board of Joliet School District 86, including one term as president, according to his biography on the county’s website. He worked as a retention and recruitment specialist for an education service network and was a long-time member of the the Mt. Zion Baptist Church.

Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow also released a statement about Stewart: ““Frank Stewart was a dedicated public servant who vigorously represented the citizens of his Will County Board district with passion and grace. He was a true gentleman who had an abiding faith in the political process and an unwavering respect for his colleagues, regardless of their political affiliations. We have all lost a good friend.”