Lewis Dean Petry

1926 - 2021

Lewis Dean Petry passed peacefully into eternal life on December 29, 2020 at the age of 94 in Evanston, Illinois. Most recently, Lew was a resident of Three Crowns Park in Evanston. Beloved husband of the late Shirley Mellor Petry for 42 years and during those 42 years they lived in Kenilworth Illinois. He was born in Bourbon Illinois to the late Margaret (Nelson) and Henry Petry, on August 18, 1926.

Preceded in death by his siblings, Margaret Louise York, in 2014 and Lyle Nelson Petry, in 1978, and his stepdaughter, Barbara Haight Lutton in 1976, of Kenilworth Illinois. Great Uncle to Shari Schultz of Champaign IL, Kevin (Jill) York, Bonita Springs FL, Brian York, Johns Creek GA, Andrew York, Vancouver, WA. Great, great uncle to Nick (Katie) Voss, Champaign IL, Adam (Brandy) Voss, Rantoul IL, Sam Schultz, Champaign IL, Connor York, Elmhurst IL, Carli York, Elmhurst IL, Colin York, Bonita Springs FL, James York, Johns Creek GA, Julie York, Johns Creek GA, Emily York, Johns Creek GA.

Cherished Godfather to Allegra Heinz, Lake Bluff Illinois and loving and devoted surrogate grandfather to Avery and Sienna Heinz, Lake Bluff Illinois. Lew's family also included Carmen Wilcox, Wilmette Illinois who was a devoted friend and caretaker to both Lew and Shirley for much of their adult lives.

Lew spent 2 years in the US Navy, stationed in Pearl Harbor, transferring to China, then Burma and India. He was honorably discharged in 1946 and enrolled at the University of Illinois, graduating in 1950 from the School of Commerce, and in 1953 passed the CPA exam.

He had a 27-year career, culminating as Vice President/Treasurer at Benefit Life and Trust. He was a member of Christ Church, Winnetka serving on the Vestry and Treasurer. He was also an enthusiastic volunteer at the Christ Church annual rummage sale, where he was Chairman of the Hardware Department for 20 years. He also served as a Board Member of Michigan Shores Club and was also Treasurer.

Lew loved fishing in remote parts of Canada and playing a good round of golf. He was a master wood worker and delighted his God daughter with beautifully crafted pieces. Lew was a humble, patient and kind man, who was renowned for his story telling with a lot of laughter – we will miss the stories but have wonderful memories of them.

Interment private, a celebration of Lew's life will be held in 2021.

Memorial contributions in Lew's memory may be made to Christ Church, 470 Maple Street, Winnetka IL 60093.

Info: 847-675-1990 or sign the guestbook at

www.donnellanfuneral.com.