PEEC HIRAKARAGA HAROLD ARNOLD LEWIS

PEEC HIRAKARAGA HAROLD ARNOLD LEWIS

     Peec Hirakaraga Harold Arnold Lewis, 82, passed away Oct. 3, 2024, with his loving family at his side. 

     Harold was born to George and Marie (Decorah) Lewis June 18, 1942, in Merrillan, WI, 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 50 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 stepgrandson Christopher McKinley; and longtime NASCAR friend, Dick Trickle.

     A visitation was held Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, at the Buswell Funeral Home from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. After the visitation, there was a funeral service at 11 a.m. with Pastor David McBride officiating, followed by a burial in the Hocak United Church of Christ church cemetery.