In loving memory of

Neil Lewis
July 18, 1949 - November 16, 2015

  Neil Ray, son of Cleo and Gladys (Kading) Lewis, was born July 18, 1949 at Jefferson, Iowa. The family lived south of Bayard on the farm. He attended Bayard Community High School, graduating in 1967. Neil was united in marriage with Marcia Kinnick on September 5, 1970, at the United Methodist Church in Bayard. Neil received a football scholarship to Mankato State College in Minnesota and graduated in 1971. He studied Physical Education with a minor in Biology and earned a teaching certificate.   
   Neil taught and coached high school sports at Plainfield, IA following college. He then moved to Waukee from 1972 to 1978 where he coached football, wrestling, and track. Neil also taught biological sciences and PE for 8-12th grade. The family then moved to Bayard so that Neil could farm with his father and grandfather. Over three summers prior to the move, Neil built their home south of Bayard. In 1982 he returned to coaching football for Bayard, and subsequently CR-B and Guthrie Center high schools. Neil also coached junior high track at Guthrie Center, including some of his daughters, as well as Pee Wee football for his sons. Neil retired from coaching after 20 years in 1993
    Neil’s overriding love and passion was his family. They competed together in the Iowa Games and area road races every year. At one time, Neil held the bench press record for the age group 40+. Neil and his kids were also part of the Lake Panorama Ski Team. He instilled his work ethic and belief in self-sufficiency in his children. As a teenager he worked building homes with his father and grandfather, which gave him the skills to build not only his family home and farm buildings, but three of his children’s homes as well. He also worked on many building projects in Bayard and Guthrie Center. Neil loved to take gator rides with the grandkids, make them his special popcorn, and “sing” with them. He was a technology fanatic and collected various tools and guns.
   Neil will be remembered as a loving and caring husband, father, and grandfather. His character was exceptional, and he motivated many people through the years. He was a builder of not only homes, but people as well.
   Neil suddenly and unexpectedly collapsed at home and was taken to Guthrie County Hospital in Guthrie Center, Iowa. He died there on Monday, November 16, 2015 at the age of 66 years, 3 months and 29 days.
   Neil is preceded in death by his parents, brother Dean Lewis and brother-in-law Bryan Kinnick.
   He is survived by his wife Marcia Lewis of Bayard; children: Melissa Lewis (Shane Anderson), Bayard; Jessica Lewis, New York City, NY; Katie Lewis (Reza Kargarzadeh), West Des Moines, IA; Michael Lewis (Natalie), Bayard; Marcus Lewis (Shelby), Bayard; grandchildren: Connor Lewis, Bryce Lewis, Tucker Lewis, Hope Lewis-Kargarzadeh, McKenna Lewis, Easton Lewis, and Ava Lewis; Marcia’s parents: Edward “Buzz” and Colleen Kinnick, Bayard; sister-in-law Cindy Franzeen (Sid), Scranton; brother-in-law Lon Kinnick (Donna), Glidden; sister-in-law Cindy Kinnick, Bayard; many other relatives and dear friends.

Rev. Joyce Webb, Officiating
First United Methodist Church

Recorded Music
“Amazing Grace” LeAnn Rimes  
“How Great Thou Art” Carrie Underwood
“Daddy’s Hands” Holly Dunn
“Islands In The Stream” Parton/Rogers
“We Are The Champions” Queen


Casketbearers
Michael Lewis  
Marcus Lewis
Reza Kargarzadeh  
Shane Anderson
Lon Kinnick  
David Spratte
Connor Lewis  
Sid Franzeen
Edward “Buzz” Kinnick  

Honory Casketbearers
Randy Hughes
Jeff Hughes
John Shirbroun
Andy Sorensen
Clint Cummings
Don McCool
Jeff McCool
Jerry Burkhardt

Interment
Highland Township Cemetery
south of Bayard, IA

 

Tributes

Christine Olson-Moran wrote on Nov 22, 2015:

"I went to school at Waukee High School and remember Mr. Lewis very well. Super nice teacher. So sorry to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers to his family."

denny caraher wrote on Nov 21, 2015:

"Reading of Neil, I was inspired to write this poem. I hope its ok to share. Its sort of long, so heres a link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YO7XHWxqSggQkp1tugc-ExsDY-GLK3P3n-Ify3b035Y/edit?usp=sharing"

Gene Johnston wrote on Nov 21, 2015:

"Im so sorry, Marcia and family, for your loss. He was one of Bayards very best in many ways. We will all miss him. Im thinking of you all today."

Bart Weller, Waukee IA wrote on Nov 21, 2015:

"Marcia I am so sorry for your loss! Coach Lewis was a very important person in my life during my school years. Coach Lewis was a great motivator am I was always willing to give him 110% at all times. Bar Weller"

Denise (McGee) Johnson wrote on Nov 20, 2015:

"I was so deeply saddened to hear about Neils passing. I have only wonderful memories of Marcia and Neil when I first moved to Iowa many years ago. Marcia, you and your beautiful family are in my prayers at this sad time of your lives. Rest in peace, Neil. With loving thoughts, Denise"

Kelly A. Sheeder wrote on Nov 20, 2015:

"Dear Marcia,Michael,Marcus and Shelby, I cannot begin to express my sadness at learning of Neils death. He was such a good and happy man. I know how much you loved him and how much he will be missed. My heart hurts for you. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Give the rest of your family my condolences also."

Wes & Claudia Niles wrote on Nov 20, 2015:

"Lewis family: We are hurting with you during this enormous loss to your family and community. You will be in our thoughts and prayers in the days ahead. Peace to you. Wes & Claudia Niles, Carrollw"

Denny Caraher wrote on Nov 20, 2015:

"I am so sorry for the huge loss in your family and community. I went to high school with Neil. He was a year older but the gap seemed much greater than that, not only in years but in his stature, his coolness and athleticism. He seemed to come from another world. He played quarterback and I was in the band we were just a distraction from the show put on my Neil and the boys. We were not close. I hadnt spoken to him since then and yet there is a memory of him that endures and was formative. We were on the track team together and of course, he was the star and yet there was this one day when he and I were in the same heat at Districts. We had a chance at a medal in the 100 yard dash. That hope lay with Neil and I was just thrown in there for good measure. I ran one exceptional race in my life and that was on that day. I came in third place and medaled. Neil came in 6th. A lesser boy would have made excuses to save face and to deprive me of my moment in the sun. Neil was not that boy. He shook my hand and celebrated with me and was so impressed. I know he was disappointed in his showing, but he know enough not to display that. After all, ultimately, the medal was for the team. We were on the same team. Sometimes I forget...still...all of us. We are on the same team and now we are down a man."

Rod Bohlender wrote on Nov 19, 2015:

"Neil will be missed dearly. I was one of many fortunate athletes to be touched by coachs incredible character. He was always so uplifting with his smile and his motivation. My thoughts and prayers to the family of a great man."

Bridget Sullivan wrote on Nov 19, 2015:

"I didnt have the pleasure of meeting Neil. However, I didnt need to in order to know how amazing and inspiring he was. I am lucky to be a close friend of his daughter, Jessica, and I can assure you that she got a lot of her fathers traits. She is unbelievably generous, strong, spiritual, beautiful and this list could go on and on. I am so thankful to Neil for raising such amazing children. Anyone who crosses paths with any of them is truly blessed. Thank you for putting more good in this world."

Todd Hansen wrote on Nov 19, 2015:

"I am blessed to have gotten to have Coach Lewis be an influence in my life. What he taught me in practice goes far beyond the field and had a positive impacted my life. I still think about the exergenie(sp?) and what that taught me other than how to run a football. Those that experienced it know what I am talking about. You will be missed Coach. GOD Bless and my prayers are with the family."

Bob and Sue Oleson wrote on Nov 19, 2015:

"We were very sorry to hear of Neils passing. It meant a lot to us that Neil and Marsha were always very supportive of our family. Bob had the pleasure of having all of Lewis kids in school and still reflects on what a beautiful family they are."

Melissa Lewis wrote on Nov 19, 2015:

"Dad, Im really missing you tonight. Thank you for your continued love and strength from up above. Ill forever hold you in my heart until we meet again. Thank you for all the messages, memories, and support."

John Gordon wrote on Nov 19, 2015:

"Coach Lewis thanks for making me a better person! I still have the poem you recited to our football team before one of our games. I hold it close to my heart! I am only one But I am one I cant do everything But I can do some thing And By GODs Grace I will!! Thanks Coah you fulfilled this legency and made it yours. Thanks for leading by character and love. John Gordon WHS 1977"

Carol Withhart wrote on Nov 19, 2015:

"I am so sorry for your loss. God bless your family. Marcia take care of yourself ."

Geri Shirbroun wrote on Nov 18, 2015:

"To Marcia and all of the family: My prayers are with each of you now and in the days to come! May the Lord above bless and keep you in his loving care and guide you through this difficult time!"

Bob Nielsen wrote on Nov 18, 2015:

"Marcia, Lewis family, and Kinnick family. I am sorry for your loss."

Dave Oleson wrote on Nov 18, 2015:

"I was deeply saddened to hear of Coachs passing. He played a major factor in my development as a skinny high school kid. His character, work ethic and approach to people are three things he instilled in a group of kids who had no business doing what they did in the fall of 88. I think of him often and am forever grateful for the impact he had on so many people."

ann fitzpatrick amato wrote on Nov 18, 2015:

"So sorry for your loss Marcia. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."

Dan Easton wrote on Nov 18, 2015:

"Neil was a wonderful man and a great friend. I am vary saddened by his departure from this world, but looking forward reconnecting with him in heaven."

Bob and Karen Patrick wrote on Nov 18, 2015:

"Many prayers for strength and healing in this time of loss. Marcia you and your children will be in my prayers for a very long time, knowing you have the strength to live life as Neil would want you to. The rest of the family knows I will pray for them as well. Karen and Bob Patrick"

Dixie and John Howard wrote on Nov 18, 2015:

"Prayers and thoughts to the entire family. Neil was a wonderful and caring person. He will be truly missed.a"

Curt Gunnink wrote on Nov 18, 2015:

"I was saddened to hear of the passing of Coach Lewis. Having had the opportunity to work with him for one short year I learned that he loved his family, friends and players. A great man that will be missed by many.I'm glad I got the chance to know him."

Steven Kopecky wrote on Nov 18, 2015:

"Coach Lewis made such a huge and lasting impact on my life as well as many other of our teammates in Waukee. His contributions will never be forgotten. He was a great man and role model. May the Lord comfort the family during this time."

Denny OGrady wrote on Nov 18, 2015:

"(No Guestbook Text Available)"

Brad Corkins wrote on Nov 18, 2015:

"He will always be Coach!"

April Andersen wrote on Nov 18, 2015:

"Lewis Family: Chad and I are thinking of you during this heartbreaking, difficult and emotional time. Words cannot express how sad we are to hear of Neils passing. We are utterly shocked. Chad has been retelling stories from his football glory years as Neil as his coach and the boating trip they took together at Lake Panorama. I remember the countless hours spent together at track meets as Jessica and I would run together and Neil would cheer us on. These are all great memories that not even death can take away. With great sympathy and prayers for you all. April and Chad Andersen"

Paula Oxenford Ross wrote on Nov 18, 2015:

"My sincere condolences to the family."

Denny oGrady wrote on Nov 18, 2015:

"My deepest condolences. I got to know Neil when he was a coach. he cared about kids and was always friendly to talk to. I was a writer at the carroll daily times herald. he leaves way too soon. God bless him and his family."

Katie Bartling Gehringer wrote on Nov 18, 2015:

"I am so very sorry for your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you! God bless!"

Julie (Eischeid) Sheehan wrote on Nov 18, 2015:

"Such a wonderful inspiration to many. God bless and watch over his wife, children and grandchildren."

Rick Betts wrote on Nov 18, 2015:

"Rest in peace old friend. Had some good times down at the station arguing with my dad and all the old cronies that happened to show up. Till I see you again. Rick"

R.Gaines wrote on Nov 17, 2015:

"To: The Lewis Family. Please accept my condolences. We live in a time where we experience so much pain, suffering, and sorrow. We can look forward to a time when these things will not exist.At Isaiah 33:24 And no resident will say "I am sick." Our love ones will live again. (John 11:25) May the hope in these Scripture bring you comfort and strength to endure the days ahead."