Vernon Dean Lewis was born on July 22, 1927 in Clayton, Wisconsin the son of Walter and Clara (Mewes) Lewis. He attended school in Clayton. Vernon and his father went to North Dakota and they worked there for a summer. Vern worked various jobs and then farmed with his dad. He was united in marriage to Shirley Ludke on February 6, 1953 at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Almena. They started farming in rural Turtle Lake and he also worked at Andersen Windowalls in Bayport, Minnesota for 33 years. Vern was a devoted husband, father and friend. They later moved to a farm in rural Clayton where he farmed until 1984 and then retired from Andersen Window in 1988. He spent many hours restoring Farmall tractors over the years and had quite a collection. Vern enjoyed Nascar racing, Packer football, and most of all spending time with his growing family. Vern passed away at his home in rural Clayton on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at the age of 87.
Vern was preceded in death by an infant son Gregory, his parents, brothers-in-law Orvil Andersen, Donald Brekke, James Plahn, Aksel Moan and Helmuth Zemke and sisters-in-law Lil Lewis & Delores Zemke. He is survived by his wife Shirley; children: Steven Lewis, Jeff (Lucy) Lewis, Susan (Kevin) McInerney and Tammy (Matt) Magnuson; six grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; brother Melvin Lewis; sisters: Hazel Andersen and Joy Brekke as well as nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.


Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Clayton, Wisconsin. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. and for the hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at the Clayton Cemetery.