Robert “Bob” Lewis

Robert “Bob” S. Lewis, Sr., 88, of Winnebago Valley, rural Eitzen, Minnesota, went home to be with the Lord surrounded by his family on Thursday, June 11, 2015, at his home.
Robert was born September 8, 1926, in Doland, South Dakota, to Wilbur and Esther (Woodfork) Lewis. It was in Doland that he met the love of his life, Ruth Keenan, and they were married October 16, 1946 in Redfield, South Dakota. Together they had eight children. Most of Bob’s married life, he worked as a herdsman for various dairy farmers. He loved working with cows and he had a reputation as a great herdsman. In 1981, Bob accepted a job in Caledonia working on the Kronseder farms. Retiring in 1990, Bob and Ruth bought a house in Winnebago Valley where they spent 25 years enjoying gardening, canning, raising chickens and spending time with their family and each other. After 58 years of marriage, Ruth preceded Robert in death on May 10, 2005. Bob loved the Lord and cherished his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by all.
Survivors include six children, Barb Martinson, New Albin, Iowa; Regina (Rick) Williams, Morrison, Illinois; Ace Lewis, New Albin; Trish (Wes) Johnson, Evansville, Wisconsin; and Jackie Tischhauser and Mike (Robin) Lewis, both of Eitzen; one daughter-in-law, Jaci Lewis, Morrison, Ill.; 18 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren, all of whom he made feel they were very very special and loved.
In addition to his wife, Bob was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Robert Lewis, Jr., and an infant, Vincent Paul Lewis; two brothers; and one sister.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 20, 2015, at Christ Community Ev. Free Church, 118 Plum St., N.E., New Albin. Pastor David Smith and Pastor William Reese will officiate. Burial will be in the New Albin City Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 4 p.m., until 7 p.m., Friday, and also from 10 a.m., until the time of service Saturday both at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family. Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, Caledonia Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.