Obituary for William "Bill" Lewis

He was born June 14, 1946, in La Crosse, to David and Fern (Temp) Lewis. Bill was a 1964 graduate of Central High School. After graduation he worked at G. Heileman Brewing Company in La Crosse and later at Caterpillar Inc., in Joliette, Ill., until being drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He flew in during the Tet Offensive. Few details are known about his time serving our country; he worked for 18 months on a top secret radio frequency project. After being honorably discharged from the Army he went to work at the Dairyland Power Plant, G3, in Genoa as a master mechanic.

About a month later, on a blind date, Bill met Connie Trocinski. There were two girls for two boys, and Connie chose “the tall, funny one.” They were married on September 6, 1969 at First Ev. Lutheran Church in La Crosse and shared 53 years of marriage.

Bill was a lifelong member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod and a staunch union man. He was very honest; sometimes too honest.

He enjoyed bowling and card playing in the winter and golfing in the spring, summer, and fall. He cherished his time on the links with his golfing buddies. He also enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, hunting trips out west, camping, snowmobiling and camping with friends, and spending time with his family.

Survivors include his loving wife, Connie; three children, Heather (Cade) Brandau, Chad (Tammy) Lewis, and Tami (Shaun) Mullikin; six grandchildren, Brianna, Mayzee, Dakota, Chynna, Madalyn, and Hayden; one great-granddaughter, Izabella; other relatives; and many friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m., on Monday, October 10, 2022, at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church in Barre Mills. Rev. Andrew Schultz will officiate. Military honors will be rendered.

A visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., on Sunday, and also from 3:00 p.m., until the time of service, Monday, both at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and may be directed to St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, Barre Mills, or Luther High School.

Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, Jostad Chapel, West Salem, is in charge of arrangements. A complete obituary may be found and online condolences may be offered at www.jandtfredrickson.com