Darwin “Dar” Lewis, 90, of Sioux City, passed away Monday, March 30, 2015 surrounded by his family.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 4, 2015 at Waterbury Funeral Service in Sioux City, with Rev. Timothy Bonney officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be 10 a.m.Saturday, April 4, 2015 until the time of the service at the funeral home, 4125 Orlean Avenue. Arrangements are under the direction of Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City.

Darwin “Dar” Lewis, 90, of Sioux City, passed away Monday, March 30, 2015, surrounded by his family. Dar was born on June 9th, 1924, in Rembrandt, IA, to Marie (Lewis) and Mick Weston. In his early years he lived with and was raised by his Uncle and Aunt, “Smiley” and Annie Lewis in Linn Grove, IA, and continued to live with them until his graduation from Linn Grove High School in 1942.
During his childhood and high school years he was active in sports, especially football. From 7th grade on he started as varsity quarterback and was awarded a football scholarship to Drake University upon graduation from high school. He attended Drake University where he played football until enlisting in the Navy during World War II.
He was united in marriage to his long-time sweetheart and love of his life, Delores “Dee” Jeppeson, on December 10th, 1946. They were blessed with three children, Darla, Derise and Dar. After just a few short weeks of married life he left for San Diego, California, where he completed his Naval basic training. He was stationed in Tsingtao, China during World War II and was awarded the World War II Victory Medal upon discharge from the United States Navy in December, 1947.

Upon his return from war he and Dee made their home in Fairmont, Minnesota where he worked on the Chicago Northwestern Railroad. During the course of their marriage they lived in Woolstock, IA, Eagle Grove, IA, Fort Dodge, IA, Hawarden, IA, Rapid City, SD, Huron, SD and finally moved to Sioux City, IA in 1964 where they lived together in their home until Dee’s death in January, 2015. He was the freight agent for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad at the time of his retirement in April, 1985. During his career on the railroad he also completed his Masters of Education degree from the University of South Dakota.
Dar wasn’t content with the slow pace of retirement and spent his retirement years working at a variety of venues including Hy-Vee and Brooks Golf Course in Okoboji, Iowa. He also worked as a substitute teacher, football and track coach for the Sioux City School District and was fondly referred to by his players as “Coach Lou.” He and Dee spent much of their retirement years at their cabin on East Lake Okoboji, IA, where they enjoyed their time boating, fishing and spoiling their grandchildren.

“Papa,” as his grandchildren lovingly called him, enjoyed sports, hunting, fishing, and an audience for a good joke. He had a profound love for horses and dogs and he enjoyed traveling to horse sales and rodeos. He possessed a sweet tooth and a love for donuts that was only exceeded by his love for his family. In his family he instilled the values of hard work, discipline, loyalty and unfaltering dedication to his family and friends.

Grateful for having shared his life are his two children, Darla (Rick) Wilen of Sioux City, IA, Dar (Becky Ronchetto of Sioux City) Lewis of Estherville, IA, five grandchildren, Britt (Chad) Zink of Sioux Falls, SD, Holly Blum of Schuyler, NE, Candace (Mike) Borrall of Sioux City, IA, Travis (Katie) Lewis of Sheldon, IA, Brian Lewis of Castlerock, CO; six great grandchildren, Aubrey Zink, Jacob and Addie Borrall, and Jordan, Braiden and Gage Blum.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Dee, and his daughter, Derise.