Jerry W. Lewis lived a full and colorful life for nearly 76 years. He loved the United States Marine Corps and had unbridled passion for the Potawatomi people. He was a strong friend and ally to all Native peoples and causes. He was a teacher of many, as a professional and in general life. His teaching impact touched people in the Chicago Public Schools, South Suburban College, Governors State University and Chicago Heights School District 170. He enjoyed teaching sports as well, coaching Little League in Midlothian, IL and Wrestling in Palos Heights, IL. An avid student, he attended schools and universities in Chicago, Harvey, IL, University Park, IL, Ann Arbor, MI and State College, PA. He was a Bremen Brave through and through, established in 1953.

As the fourth of 11 children, he learned at an early age that hard work and dedication to task are important tools for getting along in a wild, ever-changing world. These traits are woven into lessons taught to the people whose lives and paths were touched by his strong presence. Some of the many left to continue on their journeys include his wife of 54 years, Anita (Jazo), AnnMarie Cobb and her husband David, Jerry Lewis Jr. and his wife Joni, grandson Timothy Schoeckel and his friend Lindsay. There are siblings Kay, Gwendolyn, Robert, Dorothy, Maida, Dale, Lester, Keith and Cheryl. There are numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews descending from the Lewis and Jazo families. He now joins his parents and his brother Mike.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, July 19, 2015, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., with Military Honors at 4:30 p.m. directly at the Crete Township Fire Protection District Station 1, 26730 S. Stoney Island Ave., Crete, IL 60417. In lieu of flowers, consider donations to causes that benefit Native peoples. Have good thoughts and be kind to someone today.