William Lewis

William J. Lewis, 78, of Hawley, MN, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 22, 2014, at Manor Care in Fargo, surrounded by his family.

William James Lewis was born on January 16, 1936 in Moorhead, MN to Fred and Esther Anderson Lewis. He grew up and graduated from high school in Dilworth, MN. In 1953, when he was 17 years old, he went to work for Burlington Northern Railroad. In 1958 he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served 2 years. After his discharge from the Army in 1960 he went back to work for the railroad. In 1961 he was married to Carol Ault and they had three children together. They were later divorced. At the age of 62 William retired from the railroad, having spent 45 years working as a brakeman.

William was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed spending time outdoors. Activities he enjoyed included hobby farming, vegetable gardening and chopping wood. His grandchildren were very important to him and he gave each child a special nickname.

William is survived by his daughters Linda Highness, Vacaville, CA and Lora James Venturella, Pittsburgh, PA; his son, Glen Kathleen Lewis, Maple Grove, MN; his brother, Robert Patricia Lewis, Hawley; grandchildren Andrew, Brooke, Brian, Nina, Matt, Reed ; great-grandchildren Abigail and Joanna; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Alfred Lewis, and grandson Joshua Highness.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 26, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. at Hawley United Methodist Church in Hawley, MN. Friends and family may gather from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. at the church.