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VERNON R. LEWIS |
(courtesy of Linda Christensen) |
Grave marker for Vernon R. Lewis in
Larchwood Cemetery, Larchwood (Lyon), Iowa |
Rock Rapids, IA - Vernon Lewis, age 87 of Rock Rapids, IA
died Saturday, July 18, 2009 at Lyon Manor in Rock Rapids, IA. Funeral
services will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at United Church
of Christ in Larchwood, IA with Pastor Kelly Volk officiating. Burial
will follow at the Larchwood City Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday,
July 20, 2009 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with family present from 6:00
p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the United Church of Christ in Larchwood, IA.
Vernon Russell Lewis was born September 22, 1921, on the family farm
near Larchwood, IA to Frank and Mae (Christiansen) Lewis. While still
young, his family moved into the town of Larchwood and Vernon received
his education and graduated from Larchwood High School. Shortly after
graduation Vernon entered the U.S. Army. After basic training he was
shipped overseas where he served in the European Battle Theater as a
Paratrooper. He was a veteran of many battles in Europe including,
Normandy, Ardennes, Rhineland, and others. Vernon was awarded the Bronze
Battle Star four times during his service in WWII. Upon his return to
America after the war, he and his fiancée Leona Grotewold were united in
marriage at the Community Church in Larchwood on December 1, 1945. To
this union four children were born. The couple began their lives
together farming on Leona's parents' farm where they raised their family
until retiring from farming in 1960. In 1961, Vernon moved his family
into the town of Larchwood. Vernon worked at Fenns Ice Cream in Sioux
Falls, Horner Box Company and the Sioux Falls Serum Plant before he
began his many years working as custodian and bus driver for West Lyon
and Central Lyon Schools. He worked for West Lyon from 1964 to 1971. He
and Leona then moved to Rock Rapids where he worked for Central Lyon
from 1971 until ill health caused his retirement in 1984. Vernon loved
being around the young people over the years when he was custodian. Many
will remember him fondly from their school days. After his retirement,
Vernon and Leona moved back to Larchwood in 1986. While in Larchwood,
Vern enjoyed time with his coffee buddies. He and Leona returned to Rock
Rapids and moved to Premier Estates in 2007.
Vernon was a very special man. His pride for his country and flag were
very apparent in his life. In his retirement he had a passion for
volunteering at the Sioux Falls VA Hospital. He spent over 16 years
volunteering there. Even though it's been several years since Vernon has
been able to volunteer his time, when it was necessary for him to go to
the VA for his own medical needs, he was always greeted with smiles and
handshakes from his many old friends.
Vernon was the Commander and Vice Commander of the American Legion Post
561 for many years and also tended the flowers outside the Legion
Building in Larchwood. Vernon loved God and served many years by
teaching Sunday school and singing in the choir. He enjoyed singing very
much. He would often sing at weddings and funerals to help commemorate
his friends. He also enjoyed the outdoors with camping, fishing, and
gardening. He raised many beautiful flowers for his enjoyment as well as
others. Much to the delight of his family and his community, Vernon won
awards in Larchwood for decorating his yard and house at his favorite
time of year which was definitely Christmas. He also won many ribbons
and awards for his needlework at the fair. Card games, especially "hand
and foot" (a form of Canasta), rooting for the underdog while watching
various sports and the board game "Aggravation" were all things Vernon
enjoyed. But mostly, Vernon loved his family. They were all the delight
of his eye, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He
loved them dearly, and they will cherish his memory for the rest of
their lives. This past Saturday morning, Vernon passed away at the age
of 87 at Lyon Manor Nursing Home in Rock Rapids. He will be greatly
missed.
Vernon is survived by his wife of 63 years, one son, 3 daughters, 7
grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, 2 sisters, 2 sisters-in-law, and
many nieces and nephews and other family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mae Lewis; 11
brothers and sisters; great-grandson Ethan Schacht; and daughter-in-law,
Ann Lewis.
Adapted from obituary found at http://www.jurrensfuneralhome.com/index.cfm
on 2 May 2011. |
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