Douglas Jay Lewis was born on May 24, 1946, to Chester and Juanita Lewis in Hollis, OK. They later moved to Texas where Jay attended Lubbock High School. Jay had great memories of spending summers with his grandparents and cousins in Anton, TX. Jay joined the Army in 1966. He served in Germany and then Vietnam. Jay was very proud of his military service. Jay cherished the lifelong friends he made in Vietnam. Jay was married to Judy Kinsley and together they had 2 sons, Guy and Dean. Jay was extremely proud of them both. Jay married Chris (Pedersen) Brookman in 1986. Next year they would have celebrated 40 years of marriage. Together they enjoyed motorcycle rides with friends, camping trips and other adventures. Jay especially loved being a snowbird. Trips to South Padre Island were very special. Jay retired from the Tomah VA. He was a past commander of the Tomah American Legion. There are many good memories of times spent at the Legion with friends. Jay was a member of St Paul’s Lutheran church. His faith was very important to him.
Jay died on July 9, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. We are grateful for Jay’s “miracle” day which allowed for more visits and stories told during the last few days.
Jay is survived by his wife Chris, sons Guy and Dean (Lori) and stepchildren Jenna Olson and Ryan (Cathy) Brookman. His grandchildren Taylor, Mikayla, Gabby, Ashlyn, Drew, Alayna, Ethan and Aly meant so much to him. He is also survived by his brother in-law Bob Pedersen.
Jay was preceded in death by his parents, brother Bill, sister Wanda and his mother and father-in law Gene and Marie Pedersen.
With very grateful hearts we thank Gunderson Healthcare in Lacrosse. The wonderful care Jay received was so very much appreciated and will never be forgotten.
Memorials may be given to JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund), Wounded Warrior Fund or St Paul’s Lutheran Church.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025, 1:00 P.M. at St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church, 525 Superior Ave. Tomah WI. Pastor Brandt will officiate. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery with military honors.
Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday from 11:00 A.M. until the time of the service. Online condolences may be sent to http://www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com. The Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements
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