Obituary for Jean E. Lewis
Jean Eleanore Lewis, age 92, of Shawano, WI, formerly of Hurley, WI, died Friday, October 15, 2021, in Shawano, with her family by her side.
Jean was born August 15, 1929 in Detroit, MI, daughter of the late Clifford & Laila (Asunto) Swanson. Jean’s ancestors were pioneer residents of Ironwood, MI. She attended schools in Winegar, WI (Presque Isle) and Ironwood, graduating from Luther L Wright High School in 1947. While in the high school band, she was seated 1st Saxophone and that love of music remained a big part of her life. After graduation, she was briefly employed at an Ironwood glove factory until she was offered a job with the Ironwood Phone Company, where she worked through the early 60’s. Later in life, she worked at, and then managed, Johnny’s Gas Station and Convenience Store in Hurley.
Jean fought for union rights all of her adult life and served many years as an officer for the Iron County Democratic Party. She was a lifelong democrat and served as a delegate for Jimmy Carter at the Wisconsin State Democratic Convention in 1976. Even though she didn’t attend, she was thrilled to be invited to President Jimmy Carter’s Inauguration. She was a strong advocate for the humane treatment of all animals and her homes always included at least one or two stray or rescued dogs. She was a well-known card player and especially enjoyed playing bridge with the Range Duplicate Bridge Club or poker and cribbage with family and friends. In retirement, she liked to travel and spend time at her cottage in Mercer. She was an excellent cook and had a knack for creating beautiful flower gardens throughout her yard. Jean’s greatest joy was being with her family, especially time spent with her grandsons. She was always so proud to see them reach the milestones in their lives.
On September 23, 1950, Jean was united in marriage to Laurence “Gus” Lewis, of Hurley, WI, at the First Presbyterian Church by the late Rev. C.L. Harries. Over the years, Jean and Gus resided in Ironwood, Hurley and Mercer. Gus preceded her in death in April of 2005. After Gus died, Jean moved to Shawano to be closer to family.
Jean is survived by her sons, Craig Lewis of Hudson, WI and Tod (Jeanie) Lewis of Shawano, WI; and her grandsons Erik Lewis (Kristina Ewald) of Green Bay, WI, Ian Lewis (Mackenzie Mentel) of East Lansing, MI, and Addison Lewis of Shawano. She is further survived by her brother Dennis (Terry) Swanson of Merrill, WI; two nieces, Jeri Swanson of Colorado, and Kristy (Scott) Brunso of Indiana; and 18 cousins.
Besides her parents and husband, Jean was preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law, Gerald and Patti Swanson.
Per Jean’s request, cremation has taken place. Her family will gather privately, in the summer of 2022, to celebrate her life. Her resting place will be at Riverside Cemetery, Ironwood.
Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to HOPE Animal Shelter (PO Box 261, Ironwood, MI 49938) or to Compassus Hospice (2960 Allied Street, Suite 105, Green Bay, WI 54304).
Arrangements were made with McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, Ironwood, assisted by Mickelson Funeral and Cremation Service, Shawano.
“Jean’s family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation for the care and kindness shown to Jean, to the staff at Maple Lane Nursing Home, Birch Hill Nursing Home and most recently, her care team from Compassus Hospice.”
Jean was born August 15, 1929 in Detroit, MI, daughter of the late Clifford & Laila (Asunto) Swanson. Jean’s ancestors were pioneer residents of Ironwood, MI. She attended schools in Winegar, WI (Presque Isle) and Ironwood, graduating from Luther L Wright High School in 1947. While in the high school band, she was seated 1st Saxophone and that love of music remained a big part of her life. After graduation, she was briefly employed at an Ironwood glove factory until she was offered a job with the Ironwood Phone Company, where she worked through the early 60’s. Later in life, she worked at, and then managed, Johnny’s Gas Station and Convenience Store in Hurley.
Jean fought for union rights all of her adult life and served many years as an officer for the Iron County Democratic Party. She was a lifelong democrat and served as a delegate for Jimmy Carter at the Wisconsin State Democratic Convention in 1976. Even though she didn’t attend, she was thrilled to be invited to President Jimmy Carter’s Inauguration. She was a strong advocate for the humane treatment of all animals and her homes always included at least one or two stray or rescued dogs. She was a well-known card player and especially enjoyed playing bridge with the Range Duplicate Bridge Club or poker and cribbage with family and friends. In retirement, she liked to travel and spend time at her cottage in Mercer. She was an excellent cook and had a knack for creating beautiful flower gardens throughout her yard. Jean’s greatest joy was being with her family, especially time spent with her grandsons. She was always so proud to see them reach the milestones in their lives.
On September 23, 1950, Jean was united in marriage to Laurence “Gus” Lewis, of Hurley, WI, at the First Presbyterian Church by the late Rev. C.L. Harries. Over the years, Jean and Gus resided in Ironwood, Hurley and Mercer. Gus preceded her in death in April of 2005. After Gus died, Jean moved to Shawano to be closer to family.
Jean is survived by her sons, Craig Lewis of Hudson, WI and Tod (Jeanie) Lewis of Shawano, WI; and her grandsons Erik Lewis (Kristina Ewald) of Green Bay, WI, Ian Lewis (Mackenzie Mentel) of East Lansing, MI, and Addison Lewis of Shawano. She is further survived by her brother Dennis (Terry) Swanson of Merrill, WI; two nieces, Jeri Swanson of Colorado, and Kristy (Scott) Brunso of Indiana; and 18 cousins.
Besides her parents and husband, Jean was preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law, Gerald and Patti Swanson.
Per Jean’s request, cremation has taken place. Her family will gather privately, in the summer of 2022, to celebrate her life. Her resting place will be at Riverside Cemetery, Ironwood.
Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to HOPE Animal Shelter (PO Box 261, Ironwood, MI 49938) or to Compassus Hospice (2960 Allied Street, Suite 105, Green Bay, WI 54304).
Arrangements were made with McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, Ironwood, assisted by Mickelson Funeral and Cremation Service, Shawano.
“Jean’s family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation for the care and kindness shown to Jean, to the staff at Maple Lane Nursing Home, Birch Hill Nursing Home and most recently, her care team from Compassus Hospice.”