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Grover ‘Dan’ Lewis

ISHPEMING — Grover “Dan” Lewis, 71, of 711 S. Pine St., Ishpeming, passed away on Friday, March 16, 2018, at his home while in the loving care of his family and the U.P. Home Health and Hospice following a brief battle with cancer.

Dan was born Nov. 15, 1946, in Escanaba, the son of the late Francis and Irma (Gosnell) Lewis. Dan grew up in Escanaba and was a graduate of the Escanaba High School, Class of 1965. Following graduation Dan entered the United States Navy and served from June of 1965 to June of 1969, mainly aboard the USS Forrestal during the Vietnam War. Dan returned from the service and was employed by the Chicago & North Western Railroad until his retirement in 1994.

Dan truly loved people and helping everyone he could. He enjoyed hunting and camping, rides and walks in the woods. Shooting pool was a favorite pastime of his having played in the Negaunee Pool League for several years along with playing cribbage in the Negaunee and Ishpeming Leagues. He was a life member of the Negaunee VFW, and an active member of the Fraternal Orders of the Eagles where he had served as secretary for 10 years and went on to serve as treasurer. Dan loved to mingle with people, so he would work at local bingos including Friday’s at the Eagles and Saturday’s at the Oddfellows and would play on Sundays at the Ishpeming VFW. His greatest joy in recent years was to be with his grandchildren, whom he cherished.

Dan is survived by his wife of the past 34 years, Faye Lewis of Ishpeming; five children, Jason (Matthew) Lewis of Phoenix, Ariz., Jody (David) Lahti of Becker, Minn., Jeannie (Dean) Kaukola of Marquette, Heather (Brad) Peterson of Gladstone and Danilyn (Tony) McLaurin of Ft. Eustis, Va.: 13 grandchildren; sister, Laurel (Chris) Jensen of Escanaba; brother, Russell (Donna) Lewis of Gladstone; mother-in-law, Rita Lusardi of Ishpeming; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, John (Sherry) Lusardi, Barb Lusardi, Denise Lusardi, Andy (Michelle) Lusardi, Kathy (Chris) Pepin and David (Sandi) Lusardi, all of Ishpeming, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Andrew Lusardi; and brother-in-law, Reggie Lusardi.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 4 until 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 21, at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 6 p.m. with the Rev. Lauri O. Maki to officiate. Military honors will be accorded by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 380 at the conclusion of the services. A meal will follow the services at the Ishpeming VFW.

Dan’s obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.