John T. (Jack) Lewis died Sunday, May 18, 2014 at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice. His devoted and beloved wife of 58 years, Nancy, was at his side. He is survived by his children: Claire (Leo) Wojcechowskyj of Sarasota, Florida; John of Miami Beach, Florida; Peter (Hyun Kim) of St. Paul, Minnesota; David (Eleo) of Chico, California; Rebecca; Andy (Alison) of Eugene, Oregon; grandchildren Jason, Alex, Steven Wojcechowskyj, Alana Lewis, Nathan and Mia Lewis. Further survived by hi brother-in-law Bill Spengemann, his wife Sycha and their sons Joaquin and Pascal. Also surviving are Shaun Egbert, Todd Lewis, Garth Lewis and Scott Lewis, the children of his deceased brother Joe, all whom live in California. Jack was born July 19, 1929 in San Francisco, California. He attended Catholic grade school and graduated St. Ignatius High School in 1947. The friendships made in those years have endured. Jack enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve in 1948 and was called to active duty when the Korean conflict erupted. He served as an infantryman in Korea until wounded in April 1951. At that time he was shipped back to San Francisco and was honorably discharged in May 1952. He enrolled at the University of San Francisco and graduated with a B.S. in Business Management and Organization. He received his MBA in Marketing from Golden Gate College in 1964. Jack began his professional career at Burgermeister Brewing Company in San Francisco. During this time he met Nancy on the beach at Carmel and on April 7, 1956 they were married in San Jose, California. The journey to Wisconsin began when Schlitz Brewery purchased Burgie. They arrive in Milwaukee in 1963, living in Shorewood until 1971. At that time Jack bought the Schlitz distributorship here in Sheboygan from Jake Hilpertshauser. Lewis Distributing grew to cover Sheboygan, Manitowoc and Calumet Counties with Schlitz, Stroh's and numerous import beers. Upon selling the business in 1986 Jack continued, and increased, his involvement in the community he had come to regard as home. His associations (often leadership positions) included Big Brothers/ Big Sisters, Sheboygan Economic Club, Rotary West, SASD Long Range Planning Committee, the Governor's Citizen Council on Alcohol/Other Drug Abuse, Wisconsin Beer Distributor's Association, Sheboygan Police and Fire Commission, SASD Vocational Education Advisory Committee, Lakeland College Ass't Professor in Marketing, mayoral candidate in 1993, SCORE advisor, Executive Director of the Literacy Council, a starter at Blackwolf Run golf courses and later at Sunset Hills. Jack loved his community and gave willingly of his time, talent and energy when asked. Jack was extremely proud of his children and their spouses and their accomplishments. They have succeeded in their chosen profession and have become thoughtful, caring, contributing members of the human race and much loved by their father. It was Jack's wish to be cremated and to have his ashes scattered under the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco at some later date. The family observance will be private. Memorials can be sent to Big Brothers/ Big Sisters, The Literacy Project (at Family Connections), Meals on Wheels, or a charity of your choice. The Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service is serving the family. Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Matthews and those of his staff who served Jack during his illness. The help, support and council of the Home Hospice team made this journey possible. They were with Jack and Nancy every step of the way.
