Obit: Lewis, Robert Harris ‘Bob’ (1924 - 2015)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Lewis, Crum, Tillman, Rosch, Benson, Kunze, Lee, Jedras

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 12/02/2015

Lewis, Robert Harris ‘Bob’ (17 February 1924 - 24 November 2015) With Flag

Robert Harris “Bob” Lewis, 91 of Neillsville and formerly of Antigo died Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015, at Neillsville Care and Rehab Center under the care of St. Croix Hospice.

Bob was born Feb. 17, 1924, to the late Stephen Harris and Marion (Crum) Lewis in Rhinelander. Marion passed during Bob’s childhood, and he was raised by his father and step-mother, Lilah Lewis.

Bob was a graduate of Rhinelander High School’s class of 1942. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from UW-Oshkosh. He was united in marriage to Vivian Tillman Aug. 26, 1947 in Rhinelander. She preceded him in death Nov. 29, 2000.

He served in the U. S. Army during World War II in the 342nd Infantry Division on the heavy mortar crew. He served in Europe and the Philippines and was honorably discharged Feb. 23, 1946.

Bob taught science at Antigo Junior high School for many years, retiring in 1986. He was a member of Faith United Church of Christ. Bob was instrumental in operating the church’s food pantry for over 20 years. He also served on the American Cancer Society Board.

Survivors include a daughter, Cindy (John) Rosch of Madison; a son, Dick (Carolyn) Lewis of Neillsville; eight grandchildren: John (Allison) Rosch Jr. of Sauk City, Shane (Cindy) Rosch of Madison, Andy Rosch, of Madison, Bret Benson of la Crosse, Laura (Joe) Kunze of Denver, CO, Sela Lewis of Neillsville, Alexander lee of Waupun; eight great-grandchildren; a brother, Steven (Yukiko) Lewis of Washington; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, Bob was preceded in death by a brother, Jack.

Funeral services were held Monday, Nov. 30, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Faith United Church of Christ, with visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Rev. Wes Jedras officiated. Military honors followed the service at the church. Interment was in Elmwood Cemetery.

Memorials in Bob’s name may be directed to Antigo Area Food Pantry at 2120 Progress Blvd., Antigo, WI, 54409.

Strasser-Roller Funeral Home assisted the family. Friends may visit online at www.strasserrollerfh.com.

Bob’s family extends a special thank you to Neillsville Care and Rehab Center for their care.