Daniel George Lewis went to his Heavenly home on July 11th, 2025 at the age of 80 after a long struggle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). He passed quietly in his sleep with his family at his side. Dan was born on May 6th, 1945 in Chicago, Illinois to James L. Lewis Jr. and Mildred H. (Kubicki) Lewis. He was baptized as a baby and confirmed his faith in Christ at the time of his confirmation. He grew up in Niles IL and attended grade school at St. John Brebauf school, and he graduated high school from Notre Dame High School in 1963. Dan attended Loyola University in Chicago while working at Lutheran Hospital in Park Ridge IL part time. It was there that he met Carol Pipho, a nurse from Colorado and the love of his life. They were married the following year on December 28, 1968.
Dan was drafted into the Army in March 1968 while at Loyola, and was sent to Vietnam in January 1969. He was a Sgt. in the 25th Infantry and a squad leader stationed at CuChi. After becoming severely wounded in battle, Dan was sent to Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in Denver CO where he received the Purple Heart, and later was honorably discharged.
Dan then returned to college to get his degree at the University of Southern Colorado, Pueblo. Dan and Carol then moved to Denver where he went to work for Prudential Life Insurance Co. for 4 years. In 1975, they decided to move to Ft. Morgan CO and open a financial services business, “The Brokerage House.” He did this for 25 years and was a Life member of the MDRT.
After retiring from the business, Dan and Carol opened the US Military Historical Museum, a dream they had for many years to honor all active military and veterans who served their country. The displays spanned from the Revolutionary War to the Gulf War. The museum was open for 17 years before Dan’s health changed forcing its closure. Dan and Carol then moved to Owasso OK.
While in Ft. Morgan, Dan was active in the Rotary Club, organized the annual Day of Patriotism for 14 years, and was given the “Citizen of the Year” award. Dan was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, participating in retreats, bible studies, Lutheran Layman’s League, and influential in getting a new grade school at the church. Dan was also a friend of Bill W. for over 50 years, and reached out to many who needed help.
Dan had a love for the outdoors, and he enjoyed running, fishing, hunting, camping and boating. He especially loved taking his grandkids with him on these adventures and seeing their excitement. He and Carol also loved to travel and took may trips to historical sites and battlefields.
Dan was faithful in growing in his knowledge and love for Jesus in his daily devotion to prayer and Bible reading. He enjoyed sharing this time of reading and love of Christ with family and friends on the phone.
Dan was a loving husband, wonderful father, and proud grandparent. He is survived by his widow, Carol; Son Mark (Amy) Lewis, daughter Mary (Nicholas) Lelecas, Grandsons Brady Lelecas & Zachary Lewis, and granddaughter Vivian Lewis, sister Madelynn (Mike) Wieczorek, and 13 nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother James D. Lewis.
