Peec Hirakaraga Harold Arnold Lewis, 82, passed away on October 3, 2024, with his loving
family at his side.
Harold was born to George and Marie (Decorah) Lewis on June 18, 1942, in Merrillan
Wisconsin, where he grew up with his eight siblings.
After graduating from Black River Falls High School, Harold attended classes at UW-La Crosse.
While in La Crosse, Harold met the love of his life and life partner, Carol. The two shared many
wonderful years with their daughters, Sherry and Diane.
Harold began his own business, LEWISigns in the mid-60s and worked for almost fifty years as
a sign painter, painting many storefronts, trucks, and commercial billboards in Wisconsin and
surrounding states. After work and on the weekends, Harold used his painting expertise on the
stock car track, where other drivers would have him paint their sponsor, logos, and car numbers.
A racer himself, Harold and his family often traveled the Midwest to participate in and watch
many NASCAR races.
In addition to watching NASCAR, Harold also enjoyed watching NFL and NBA games. He was
an avid reader and could usually be found with a newspaper in his hands. Harold loved all dogs,
but German Shepherds were his favorite. Above all else, Harold loved his family and spending
time with them. Whether traveling together, attending a sporting event, or sharing stories, he
was happiest when he was around his family.
Harold is survived by his two loving daughters, Sherry (Scott) McKinley and Diane (Stuart)
Rave, his life partner Carol J. Lewis, his siblings Bernice Blackdeer and George (Ruth) Lewis,
his grandchildren Ashley Rutherford, Whitney Sanchez, Natalie Rave, Talyn Stansfield, and
Dylan McKinley, and many other nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Marie Lewis, his siblings Spencer Lewis,
Alvin Lewis, Benjamin Lewis, Joseph Lewis, Velma Lewis, and Mary Ann Hendricks, his step-
grandson Christopher McKinley, and long-time NASCAR friend Dick Trickle.
A visitation will be held on Monday, October 7 th , 2024, at the Buswell Funeral Home from 9:00
a.m. until 11:00 a.m. After the visitation, there will be a funeral service at 11:30, with Pastor
David McBride officiating, followed by a burial in the Hocak United Church of Christ church
cemetery. The family would like to invite all in attendance to a meal afterward at the HHCDA
Mission Community Building.
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