Vernon Lewis

NOTICE: 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 fiance 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 Leonas 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 its 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, and 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, Leona Lewis; his children, Wayne (Nancy Myers) Lewis of Wichita Falls, TX; Sandi (Gary) Schacht of Larchwood, IA; Diane (Alan Shave) Ripperda of Wichita Falls, TX; and Karen (Gary) Van Wyhe of Rock Rapids, IA; 7 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren; sisters, Iona Eckhoff of Sioux Falls, SD and Joyce Ver Meer of Rock Rapids, IA; sisters-in-law, Clara Lewis and Pearl Grotewold; 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.