Dale R. Lewis, Sr., 92, of Kenosha, died on Saturday, February 22, 2014, at Brookside Health and Rehab Center.
Dale was born on January 8, 1922, in Kenosha, the son of the late Emil and Amanda (Zoller) Lewis. He attended local schools and was a graduate of Mary D. Bradford High School. His love for music grew when he sang in the Male Quartet in high school.
Dale enlisted into the U.S. Army on May 5, 1943, and was honorably discharged on December 4, 1945. He served as a 1st Lieutenant in the Infantry Division and was in the Normandy, Northern France and Rhineland campaigns. He was awarded the Purple Heart with One Oak Leaf Cluster, the Combat Infantryman Badge and the European Theater Ribbon with Three Bronze Stars.
After his military service, he was active in the American Legion David Leet Post #552, where he held various offices including the finance officer. Dale was also a member of the National Milwaukee Chapter of Retired Officer Association, and the 83rd Infantry Association.
On May 1, 1943, at Fort Benning, GA, he was united in marriage to Jane Jessen. She preceded him in death on November 1, 1981. On March 2, 1985, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, he was united in marriage to Margaret I. “Marge” Lulack-Quinn.
He was employed with Canteen Corporation in Waukegan for 20 years and retired in 1982.
Dale was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church. He sang in the church choir and his rendition of Ave Maria was their most requested version. Dale was also a member of Trinity Lutheran Seniors, Kenosha Senior Citizens Center, Friends of Hawthorn Hollow where he had served in many capacities, the Kenosha County Historical Society, Bradford High School Alumni Association and Friends of the Museum; and enjoyed traveling extensively with them.
Dale was an avid gardener. He loved growing his own flowers and using them to make beautiful dried wreaths. He also enjoyed the excitement of watching his favorite teams, the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Cubs.
He is survived by his wife, Marge Lewis; his children, Dale R. (Ann) Lewis, Jr., Virginia Sekulich., Mary (Ed) DeLoach; his sister, Lorraine Pelligrino; seven grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.
In accordance with Dales wishes, his funeral services will be held privately. Entombment with full military honors will take place in All Saints Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances to one of the following organizations would be appreciated:
Myasthenia Gravis Foundation, Wisconsin Chapter
2474 S. 96th St.
West Allis, WI 53227-2204
American Legion David Leet Post #552
P.O. Box 31
Somers, WI 52171
The Lewis family would like to extend a special thanks to the entire staff of Brookside Health and Rehab Center for all of the love and excellent care given to their father and grandfather.