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BORN
1956
DIED
2018
Walter Lewis Obituary
Rochester, IL—Walter K Lewis, 61, of Rochester, IL passed peacefully on June 27, 2018, while gazing at the beautiful Tobacco Root Mountains in Montana. Walt was the proud father of Derek and Kyle Lewis and loving father-in-law of Katrina Kennett. At the time of his passing, Walt, wife Sandy, and goofy dog Millie were visiting Derek, Katrina, and Grand Dogs/Cats Wendell, Bana, Mina, and Lucy at their home in Manhattan, MT while Kyle made the trip possible by holding down the fort in Rochester and wrangling crazy cat Fuzz.
Walt was blessed with many wonderful friends over his lifetime. He began life in Addison, Illinois where he found his earliest friends, followed by another great group from Arthur Andersen in St. Charles, Illinois. In the early 80's, Walt and Sandy moved to Springfield where Walt worked for the Illinois Information Service (IIS) and later for the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), establishing many close relationships at each. Due to the amount of Illinois travel each position required, Walt had friends throughout the state. He also had an uncanny sense of direction, leaving many wondering if he was born with a GPS in his brain. It was not unusual for Walt to get calls from lost friends, associates, and hockey parents needing help finding a location or a shortcut around a traffic jam. Although intelligent instructions including mileage and direction were Walt's preferred method, he willingly dumbed it down for directionally disabled Sandy (turn left at the big red barn).
Everyone that knew Walt knew of his love for his family (including the furry ones), friends, and the Chicago Blackhawks, his fascination with trains (especially the Chicago and North Western), and his devotion to Costco and Mangold Ford. He was beloved by all, with the possible exception of Derek and Kyle's daycare teachers who threatened to ban him for riling all of the kids up first thing in the morning. Along the way he enjoyed sampling many beers while seeking out the best brew and enjoyed his nightly medicinal wine. Not a wine snob, Walt found the Costco boxed wine delightful.
Walt was not a lover of the limelight and did not enjoy pomp and circumstance. His wish that he not be given a public wake or funeral will be honored by his family. If you'd like to honor Walt's memory, please keep a close eye on gas prices and the seven day National Weather Service Forecast.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Walter Lewis
Tracey Skibo Wiggins
April 3, 2023
I know this is so long after the fact but Walt was such a great guy and I needed to reach out and send my condolences. I was there when Walt and Sandy began as a couple and fondly remember his nervousness and butterflies when he approached her for a first date. My thoughts are qith you Sandy and family
A great man gone to soon. Blessings. Tracey Skibo Wiggins
Ray Moore
June 26, 2021
Walt, Mr. Vargas organized another lads lunch on June 23, 2021. We have all made it through the Covid pandemic, and this was the largest gathering in a while. Over 20 people, and still 11 who could not make it. We ALL talked about you and remembered you, with much love. Rest well, my friend.
Pamela Brooks
July 17, 2018
My deepest condolences to the Lewis Family. I sat with Walt during many activations in the SEOC and he was the first person to make me feel welcome there. I have many fond memories of discussing the best weather sites and the Blackhawks. He always took the time to teach me something. I remember thinking, this is one smart guy. He will be greatly missed.
Becky Murray
July 10, 2018
Sandy and family,
Thinking of you all and hope you can find comfort in this difficult time.
Gene Felchner
July 10, 2018
Sandy, Kyle, Derek and Katrina
As we all go thru life, we have the opportunity to work with many types of people. For some we have the opportunity to help them become better people. But hopefully there are many more opportunities for us to meet people that help us to become better people, which Walt was for us. Worked with Walt for the past 20+ years. Didn't matter what we asked him to do, he would smile and say "Boss tell me what you need me to do". Didn't have to followup because I knew it would be completed. I will miss my friend especially our Blackhawks/Blues discussions or when he came in my office to vent. He would have that look, bow his head and start shaking it side-to-side and start talking. After a few minutes, he would say "Now I feel better, thanks for listening" and walk back to his office. He always talked so proudly of the three central things in his life, Sandy, Kyle and Derek. And then when Katrina joined the family, he could not have been more proud of her as well. Walt's job required that he had to compromise his family time, including some of the jobs I asked him to do. Sandy, wanted you and the kids to know that his work and the way he conducted himself, could not have reflected any more proudly on you all. Thanks you for sharing a good human being with the rest of us. We all wish you God's strength to work thru this time and to remember the many memories of a very special husband and dad and father-in-law.
Diane Totura Stroud
July 9, 2018
Dear Sandy, Derek and Kyle,
No one need tell you how special Walt was- you know it first-hand. You were the recipients of so much love, pride and dedication. We, his friends, always knew where his heart was...in Springpatch with his family. I guess so many of us feel the need to tell the world how special he was...especially because we didn't get the chance to tell him ourselves before he passed.
I was 17 when I walked into the doors of IIS in the Fall of 1986. Walt selected me as his high-school intern. I worked at IIS for only 5 months, but learned so much from everyone, especially the guys in the Photography and Video Departments. Little did I know how influential this time would be in my professional life. It was because of Walt's mentorship that I went on to work in TV production for the last 32 years.
Walt taught, nurtured and challenged me. He took a backward girl from the Chicago burbs and threw me into the work, treated me as an adult and helped me excel beyond expectations. I absolutely owe my professional career to one very generous soul, Walter K. Lewis.
He also opened my eyes to life outside my little teenage circle. I learned so much about how others thought and what they believed, making me a much more compassionate adult. He also had a unique vocabulary- solely Walt- phrases like many moons and anywho come to mind- a very folksy guy with supreme intelligence. He was a sponsor, a mentor and a big brother who became a lifelong friend.
My favorite children's book is The Giving Tree. It's about a boy and a tree, and the tree's giving nature. To thank Walt for his mentorship, I gave him a copy of the book for Christmas. Even as a teenager, I knew how much Walt cared and how his influences had changed me forever. When my internship was over, he turned around and gave me a copy of the same book- complete with a handwritten message of friendship- full of compliments and encouragement. I've always treasured it and it now sits in my 7 year old's bookcase. One day my son will read it and ask me about it... and I'll use it to teach him how to be a leader, a boss, a mentor... a caring, loyal and fair human being... a lifelong friend.
WKL, you will never be forgotten...
AV Club, Glenbard North High School
Bradley Sherman
July 5, 2018
8th grade, Marquardt Junior High
Bradley Sherman
July 5, 2018
Libbie Britton
July 5, 2018
I don't know any of you, but Walter must have been quite a guy. My condolences to his family, and all of you who were fortunate to know and love him. He could not have found a more peaceful place to take his last earthly steps, Montana is definitely GOD's country. May you find peace in these coming days.
July 5, 2018
I too worked with Walt at Arthur Andersen... still seems like yesterday that W.A.L.T radio was playing at a party or get together. Over the past couple of years Walt made the drive from downstate to meet with a few of us for lunch..... I always thought... " That's a long way to drive to meet a few old people for lunch" I'm glad he did... Walt's a wonderful human being and I am glad I had a chance to spend a short part of life with him...
Tom Green
July 5, 2018
I had the privilege of working with Walt for many years at the State of Illinois and also was a fellow "hockey Dad" on the ice with the boys. We were also neighbors in Rochester. Walt was a consumate professional at I.I.S. and a wonderful person to share stories with at the rink. He will be missed greatly by all who knew him.
Mark Suszko
July 4, 2018
Walt was more than a boss: he was a true mentor to me.
When I got this job and didn't immediately have a place to live, he offered to put me up in his own home. When the motor pool gave us a vehicle with manual transmission, I had to admit to Walt I'd never learned to drive "stick", so... he took me out to the fairgrounds and taught me how to drive a stick shift pickup. The hill parking was especially hilarious.
If I was stuck with a problem on a late night editing session, he'd always answer the phone at home and sometimes drive all the way in to the office, just to help me figure things out. He had my back when I took on larger and more creative assignments, and nurtured my on-the-job training and learning. Never a micro-manager, his style was to lay out the job to a person, then hang back and let them run the entire operation, offering support and guidance as needed, but letting his people run their own projects, learning and growing with each experience. At the end, he'd review how everything went and pointed out the good and bad of each job, always with encouragement.
Though his promotion to manager took him out of much of the day-to-day creative work of the office, something he really missed, Walt learned how to be a "suit", yet managed to keep a hand in the tech arena, and could often be seen helping around the studio, from directing a show to operating a camera or assisting on a remote location. Teamwork and team recognition were important values Walt promoted over individual achievement. If we succeeded, we did it as a team.
He was also a very good teacher and guide to the many high school interns we used to have come thru the shop. He treated them as peers and fellow crew, not as children, and they rapidly matured in their skills as well as their self-awareness while working with us, moving on to various successful careers in media.
Walt was always popular around Christmastime, when he somehow got his very busy wife Sandy to churn out an entire bakery's worth of holiday cookies and treats like "dirt cake" to share with the office staff. Walt was always proud of Sandy and his kids, and as they got into hockey, Walt became the prototypical "Hockey Dad", spending his rare off-work time often road-tripping to remote rinks to support his kids' interests.
Walt taught me a lot about how to manage, lead, and work with people of all types. He was a patient teacher and a wise counsel. He stuck to his guns and was not afraid to challenge authority when he was right. He earned the trust and respect of his bosses thru many administrations, by offering insight and advice that was proven right time and again, and he had a network of people all thru the state who respected and liked him, and helped him solve problems and make projects successful.
He was the best boss I ever had. But also much more.
Brenda Joyce
July 4, 2018
Sandy, Kyle, Derek, and Katrina...
So deeply saddened by Walt's sudden passing. I know that nothing can ease the heartache that all of you are feeling right now, but may you find peace in all of the great memories being shared by so many in tribute to Walt.
Keeping you all in thought and prayer.
Brenda
July 4, 2018
Sandy and Family,
My deepest sympathy to you all. I met Walter in first grade and have so many great childhood memories since our mothers were close friends. What an awesome tribute to him. I am so sorry that we didn't keep in touch, we often spoke about your family.
Carin (Ost) Blodgett
July 4, 2018
Paul White
July 4, 2018
Walt and I worked with each other for about 30 years and I never had a problem finding locations that work send us to. All any lost soul had to do was call Walt to get driving directions. It didn't make any difference where you were in the U.S. Walt could spew out detailed directions as if he had lived there all his life. I last talked to Walt a few weeks ago and was asking him questions and advice about an upcoming vacation Brenda and I are planning in August. He told me that he and Sandy were vacationing on the East coast and started providing me places and locations that Brenda and I should visit, AND THEN he started telling me how to get there, I said Walt - let's talk when you get back! I guess I should have listened then.
Walt was always the person you could call, just to talk! It didn't make any difference what you wanted to talk about, he always had an open ear and usually a response to continue the conservation. SO - he was more than just a boss and co-worker, he was always a "true friend and, most recently, someone likened us as being brothers. Well - Yes! We spent so much time together as working partners we did kind of become brothers and sometimes we didn't really need to talk because we knew what each other was thinking. I will truly miss my brother Walt and I hope and wish for all the best to his beloved family, Sandy, Derek and Kyle.
July 4, 2018
I don't know Walt or his family, in fact, I've never heard of any of you. But this Obit is the best I've ever read and I'm very sorry for his passing. The world definetely needs more Walt. He sounds pretty awesome.
Walt - Hard at work! Aug 2007
Paul White
July 4, 2018
Paul Dow
July 3, 2018
I had the pleasure of working with Walt at IIS. He was my supervisor as well as a friend. We shared a love of music and hockey, which gave us plenty to talk about. Our kids were about the same ages, so we had many chats about our families. Over the last 16 years I only saw Walt a few times, but I always thought we would get together sometime. I was shocked and saddened to learn of his passing. My deepest sympathies to Sandy, Derek and Kyle.
Evelyn Bucci
July 3, 2018
Sandy and Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss! You are all so very lucky to have had such a good man among you.
Jaime Francis
July 3, 2018
Sandy, I'm sorry I lost touch with you. I am so sorry to hear about your husbands passing. My prayers are with you and your family. I went through this not long ago also. Thinking of you, Jaime Francis
July 3, 2018
I so enjoyed working with Walt at IIS. He was a great guy. I'm gratefull that I was blessed to know and work with him. Peace and prayers to your family.
Ray Moore
July 3, 2018
Dear Sandy, boys and beloved pets;
I was one of those friends from Arthur Andersen, and there are about 10 of us who keep in touch and occasionally work together still to this day. I loved Walt, and the experiences we all shared. My love and prayers go with all of you, and I look forward to seeing Sandy when you are able to meet the St. Charles group sometime soon.
July 3, 2018
Sandy and family, please accept our sympathy for the passing of Walt, a great family man. I have so many fond memories from the time we shared working together at IIS. He will surely be missed.
Jann and Don Belford, Divernon, IL
Mark Suszko and Jane Bucci
July 3, 2018
Dear Sandy, Derek, Kyle and All --
Such a loss for so many! We worked with Walt at IIS.
We are all a little less at his passing, and yet, we are all more because of his presence with us here.
We wish you strength and peace.
July 3, 2018
Sandy, Derek and Kyle:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Walter was a great friend and was so proud of you all! May the many memories stay close to your heart and help heal the pain. And may Fuz keep the orneriness going throughout your home. Walter's obituary is a great tribute to how he lived life.
Joe and Janie Martin
John Headrick
July 3, 2018
To the Lewis family,
Please accept my sincere sympathies on Walt's passing. I worked with him at Central Management Services when he was with IIS. We both shared a fascination with trains.
May God bless Walt and your family now and forever. Rest In Peace Walt and "All Aboard for Heaven."
John Headrick
Springfield, IL
Christine Westerlund
July 3, 2018
Sandy,
We have very fond memories of our times together. Walt was a wonderful, kind and gentle man. Holding you all up in our prayers.
Chris Westerlund and Tom Smith
Edward Jankowski
July 3, 2018
Walt was a great friend and cohort of mine at Arthur Andersen during the golden era of corporate video. I remember the long editing stints he would pull, some of which would be over 2 days long.
His tricked out 2 door Mercury Cougar with the chrome wheels and fat tires was the bomb. Cruising in it through St.Chuck was excellent with the tunes cranked to 11. It was a clean machine. But what I remember the most was that we could start a conversation even after not seeing each other for several years and it was like the time in between melted away. I'll miss his infectious laugh. I will miss that the most. Wish I could have talked and laughed with you one more time buddy. You where a wonderful friend.
Warmest blessings of comfort to Sandy and his son's who I know he was so proud of.
Lisa Williams
July 2, 2018
Sandy what a wonderful written tribute. I have been holding you and your family in my thoughts. May all your warm memories bring you peace at this most difficult time.
Chief Vargas
July 2, 2018
If there's music in Heaven Walt is rock'in it at station W.A.L.T.. AC/DC, Disco (only if demanded) and Lawrence Welk! Thanks for all the great music at our Hallow-ween parties and our wedding. You will always be the best!
Mark & Christie
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