Flint, Michigan
LEWINSKI, William (Coach Lew) - Of Grand Blanc, age 77, passed away Monday, April 12, 2010 at University of Michigan Hospital. Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 17, 2010 at Our Risen Lord Lutheran Church, 4040 Lapeer Road, Burton, Pastor Susan Lidums officiating. Memorials may be made to Our Risen Lord Lutheran Church or to The Bendle Family Health Services in his Memory. Visitation 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Friday, April 16, at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Flint. William was born in Oregon, Ohio on January 21, 1933, the son of the late William M. and Marion Lewinski. He graduated from Clay High School in Oregon, Ohio. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1956 during the Korean War. He graduated from Valley City State College in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science in Teaching Degree. He attended Michigan State University and received a Master of Arts Degree. He began his teaching career at Mandeville Junior H.S. in 1961. From 1962 to 1996 he was employed at Bendle Public Schools as a teacher and coach and Home School Coordinator. He was Head Football Coach for 30 years and during that time was inducted into the H.S. Football Hall of Fame. He started the wrestling program at Bendle and coached the team for 15 years. He taught Driver's Education for over 35 years. During his career at Bendle he touched many lives. He married Marilyn Walter in 1958 and they enjoyed 51 years of marriage. He was a member of Our Risen Lord Lutheran Church, a volunteer for the American Red Cross, and Hurley Medical Center Auxiliary. He was an avid jogger for nearly all of this life and ran three Marathons, the last one at age 70. Surviving are his wife, Marilyn; three children, Tammy (Dan) Erickson of N. St. Paul, Minnesota, Tom (Terry) Lewinski of Houston, Texas and Todd (Lissa) Lewinski of Novi, Michigan; special foster son, Craig (Phyllis) Murdock and family, Justin, Nick and Jamie; seven dearly loved grandchildren, Katie, Emily Erickson, Grace Lewinski, Kelsey, Caleb, Sam and Charlie Lewinski; sister, Barbara Keeling of Summerville, Florida. Very special thanks to Dr. E.J. Daros, Dr. Roger Black and the staff at the Genesee Oncology, Hematology Institute and the Infusion Clinic. To Dr. Bixby, Tammy Wyler, PA and the incredible nursing staff on 7 B at the U of M Hospital for their care in Bill's end of life journey. He fought a valiant battle with the MDS and Leukemia Disease. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Your condolences may be shared with the family at swartzfuneralhomeinc.com
Dear Lewinski family,
Lew was one of my favorite teachers. He was my Michigan History teacher at Bendle High School - I think 10th grade (1986 graduate). I also would see him at Hurley when he was doing volunteer work - with a smile because he loved people. I believe his reward in heaven is big because He truly made a difference in the lives of all who knew him. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Pam(Branscum)Lewis
April 21, 2010
i remember mr lew i didnt have him as a teacher but i always said good morning to him when id see him in the hallway or if he was having a bad day try to make it a better day for he will be missed rest in peice love ya mr lew
laura rowe(hamilton)
April 18, 2010 | Davison, MI
he was a very nice guy and i will miss him
chris kaley
April 18, 2010 | Lakeland, FL
Lew is one of the men in my life who has made me who I am today. He made young men out of boys.If there were more Bill Lewinskis in the world, it would be a much better place. This man never quit giving.My life was truly blessed by knowing him. From a former Bendle Tiger!
Dan Smith
April 17, 2010 | Burton, MI
I will miss Coach Lew very very much .. he helped to build my character, sportsmanship, and just taught me how to be a good person .. he will be truly missed by one and all .. Love you Coach Lew - Andrew Pekala, Class of 1981
Andrew Pekala
April 17, 2010 | Chicago, IL
to the Lewinski family, i want you to know he was a great help to me and mine when we moved to bendle.i'm sure there were times when funds came from his own pocket.what a wonderful giving and caring man.bendle should do something special to remember him. linda kelley
April 17, 2010
I remembr mr.Lewinski alot he would always go mcdonalds for breakast and lunch when i worked there. also when i was in school iremember him taking me over to east bendle too get a winter coat for the winter
tffany nowyorkas
April 16, 2010 | Burton, MI
My condolences to Marilyn and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. In the fall of 1966, i took my first teaching position at Flint Bendle. Twenty two years old and never having been in Flint before, i rolled into town with a car full of belongings looking like a "deer in the headlights." At the first staff meeting I met Bill. In the two short and wonderful years at Bendle, Bill became my mentor, big brother, second father and best friend. He helped me better understand young...
Bob Campbell
April 16, 2010 | Rockford, MI
I remember the first day I met Mr. Lewinski. I believe it was History class-10th grade, the day was warm and nobody wanted to be there. He sat on the desk, one leg dangling, about 15 minutes before class ended. He looked at the big oval clock and then at his watch and said "How much longer before this class is over?" Everybody laughed and we knew we had found a new friend. Even though I haven't seen him since school days I miss that he won't be here anymore. The world will be a little sadder...
Blenda Marshall
April 16, 2010 | Mt. Morris, MI
