Harold Lewis

Harold S. Lewis, 94, the patriarch of five generations, passed away on Monday, January 21, 2013 at St. Luke's Hospice.

Harold Stearns Lewis was born on August 18, 1918 in Duluth, Minnesota, the son of Roy B. and Alice M. (Stearns) Lewis. He attended Old East Jr. High and Central High School. Harold married the love of his life, Bernadette Kanesky, on October 28, 1939. Together they raised three daughters and a son in their home on South Street. Theirs was a home filled with love and laughter. Harold worked at Bridgeman's as an ice cream maker until 1941 when he became a firefighter for the City of Duluth. He worked as a firefighter for 39 years, until his retirement on July 1, 1980.

He was a member of St. Benedict's Catholic Church. Harold was man of strong faith and good humor. He was completely devoted to his family, and was happiest when he was with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He always caught the biggest fish, tended the best gardens, and played a competitive game of cribbage. He loved tinkering around his yard and shop, exploring back roads and traveling the world. He was truly a wonderful man who could fix just about anything.

Harold was proceeded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, Bernadette, daughter, Claudia Birkhofer, great-grandson, Dane Cadigan, and his brothers, Ralph and Lawerence.

He is survived by his children, Eugene (Wendy) Lewis of Esko, Barbara Beverly of Duluth and Roberta Cadigan of Hermantown, sister Elsie Hancock of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, 14 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.

Visitation: 5 to 7 pm Thursday, January 24, 2013 with a rosary at 6:30 pm at Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 East Second St., Duluth, and on Friday, January 25, 2013 from 10 am until the 11 am Mass of Christian Burial at St. Benedict's Catholic Church, 1419 St. Benedict St., Duluth. Burial at Calvary Cemetery, Duluth. If so desired, memorials may be made to Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank, 4503 Airpark Blvd., Duluth, MN 55811 Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home (218) 727-3555.