John Lewis

Dr. John William Lewis, 78, formerly of Winona, MN, died November 22, 2015 at Good Samaritan
Specialty Care Center, Robbinsdale, MN. John entered this world on May 28, 1937, in Boone county, Iowa, one of seven children born to
Harry and Emma (Bohi) Lewis. He spent his childhood hunting, fishing, and playing basketball and baseball. He graduated from Rutland High School, and jokingly boasted that he was in the top one third of his class of three. He obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa, Iowa City and his masters degree at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. He returned to the University of Iowa to
pursue a doctorate degree in Psychology where he met Phyllis Nash whom he married in 1962. They lived along the Mississippi River near Winona, MN, where they raised their daughters. Dr. Lewis was a professor of Psychology at Winona State University from 1963 to 1990. He and Phyllis divorced in 1985. He later married Judy Burt of Winona, MN; they remained together for 20 years. John was a complex man with a dry sense of humor and an outstanding work ethic. He taught his children to disregard status and emphasized an attitude of equality and respect for others. He loved many genres of music and was an avid outdoorsman who shared and nurtured a love of nature with his daughters. He had a special connection with the land and rivers, with a renowned knowledge of the Trempealeau River Bottoms. He was often called upon to rescue those who ventured in and got lost. He loved hunting and fishing while maintaining a tender heart toward animals, especially his beloved hunting dogs. He enjoyed entertaining and he and his friends claimed membership in the imaginary Winona Yacht and Polo club. Although he was a man of many interests, depth and accomplishments, he bore the effects of mental illness, and for the past 10 years he resided at University Good Samaritan Specialty Care Center in Robbinsdale, MN. He was liked and respected by the staff, who referred to him as professor. He enjoyed viewing travel films, discussing events, and all the other activities they provided. He was always early to the breakfast table, and they say they are missing his presence greatly.
Dr. Lewis is survived by his daughters, Mary (Tom) Lewis Kenna of Jamestown, ND and Faith (David Slaggie) Lewis of Tampa FL; two grandsons, Cody and Seth Kenna; three siblings, Dr. David T. (Judy) Lewis of Rogers, Arkansas, Dr. Martha Lewis Craft-Rosenberg of Omaha, Nebraska, and Rachel (Nick) Lewis Nickelson of Newport, Washington; a brother in-law, Norman Michaud of Chicago, IL; and
several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, an infant brother, and sisters MaryAnn
Pedersen of Fort Dodge, IA, and Ruth Lewis Michaud of Mt. Vernon, IA.
A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, November 24, 2015, at 3:00 pm, at Memorial Park Cemetery, Fort Dodge, Iowa.
The family requests that memorial gifts be directed to Good Samaritan Specialty Care Center, 3815 W. Broadway Ave., Robbinsdale, MN 55422.

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