Gregory Robert Lewis

Gregory Robert Lewis, 83, passed away peacefully in the presence of his family on August 11, 2026. He is survived by his wife of fifty-five years, Katherine (nee Ekholm), his three children Brooks (wife Suzanne), Heather (husband Aaron) and Andrea (husband Brian), and his grandchildren Connor, Brandon, Kaitlyn, Isaiah, Ethan, Cole, Brynn, Annika and bonus grandson Jonah. Greg is also survived by his two brothers, Robert and Jerry, and his two sisters, Rosella and Shirley. Uncle Greg is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.

Greg was preceded by his brothers Allen, Don, Ray, Bill, sister Barbara, and infant granddaughter Mary Michelle. 

Greg was born and raised in Lake Linden in the Keweenaw Peninsula of Upper Michigan—a small town that was decades past its copper mining boom but rich with a deep community of friends and family that were a part of Greg’s entire life. He graduated from Lake Linden High School and then enlisted and served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. 

After completing his service, Greg attended Michigan Tech where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in science and later obtained his MBA from Rochester University.

Greg won Kathy’s heart when she saw him wearing a cable knit sweater and drinking from a wine skin before swooshing down the slopes of Alpine Valley. Greg and Kathy married in 1971 and built a loving home together, raising young Brooks, their son, who was soon joined by daughters Heather and Andrea. 

Greg modeled for his children a commitment to family, a generosity of home and spirit, firmness in one’s convictions even if it comes at a cost, honesty and integrity. He also provided endless humor with his regular dose of quirky and unconventional DIY projects—a green trailer that hauled things up and back from the UP, car bumpers and seats repaired with duct tape, a manicured backyard replaced over the years with a Midwest prairie garden, and so much more.

Greg enjoyed a 50-plus-year career in industrial sales with a large manufacturing company, where his intensity, honesty, hard work, and integrity forged deep friendships that endured long after the work was completed. 

Greg’s birthplace—near the rugged and beautiful shores of Lake Superior—was a defining characteristic of his life. It was a beloved place of serene beauty Greg cherished and shared with all the friends and family he collected over the course of his life. Greg’s vision was to build a cabin on Lake Superior that his children, grandchildren, and their children would continue to enjoy. He built his dream cabin, and he had plenty of fun doing it. He took a stretch of sandy beach on Hermit’s Cove and transformed it slowly over the years with bi-annual trips with his buddies, the Hermit’s Cove Crew.”

Greg was known for his infectious friendship and generous heart. He is loved and will be missed by so many friends he gathered throughout his life. Greg was blessed with a large, close-knit family. He also treasured the lifelong friendships he formed as a child in Lake Linden, friendships that grew alongside him and remained a cherished part of his life until the end. Greg built community wherever he was and shared his love of Lake Superior and the UP with new friends he met.

In lieu of any gifts or flowers, the family invites you to spend time with your loved ones honoring his spirit of love, friendship and laughter.

A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, September 3, from 10am until a memorial service at 11am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 1023 McHenry Ave., Crystal Lake, IL. 

Even if you are not able to  join the family at church, please come for an open house luncheon from 12-3pm at Nick’s Pizza and Pub, 856 Pyott Road, Crystal Lake.