Gary J. Lewis, age 76, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on August 29, 2025, at home while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Gary’s life, a private family graveside service will be held at Mt. Calvary Cemetery where full military honors will be accorded.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Gary’s family.

Gary was born on May 30, 1949, in Dubuque, IA, a son to Merlin and Catherine (Vogel) Lewis.  He was a good and decent man who loved his family, appreciated his friends, and always made sure to make time for the joys in life which sometimes are taken for granted.  Gary was a proud graduate of Dubuque Senior High School, Class of ’67.  He went on to honorably served his country with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.  Upon returning home, he was united in marriage to his high-school sweetheart, Carol A. Reittinger on August 22, 1970.  They were blessed with many wonderful years together and a family of their own to love and nurture.  Gary invested over 30 years of his time and talents with John Deere Dubuque Works, finally moving into retirement in 2002.  He was a longtime member of the U.A.W. Local #94 and made countless friends throughout his career.

Gary always had an affinity for cars and motorcycles.  He enjoyed spending time with his friends at the car shows showing off his latest acquisitions, which were always kept in pristine condition, and never passed up an opportunity to burn up a few miles on his Harley when time and weather allowed.  Gary was also an avid train enthusiast.  His collection was vast and each model had a specific story to tell for those who would listen.  Gary also enjoyed target shooting and spending an afternoon walking through the table at the gun shows looking for a new item to add to his collection.  He understood quite well that the responsibility of work was undeniable being the patriarch of his family, but he also embraced the concept of being able to enjoy moments in life when the work was done.

Gary led by example and continually attempted to be the best husband, father, grandfather and friend that those around him could not only look up to, but also enjoy being around.  We are beyond broken-hearted at the mere thought of moving forward without Gary at the helm, but we are forever grateful for the love, lessons and legacy he leaves behind and can only hope to find peace in time knowing that his earthly health battles are now behind him for all of eternity.  Thank you, Gary, for being the man the Lord made you to be and may we seek healing now within the abundance of memories you have left behind for us to treasure.

Those left to cherish the memory of Gary include,

his loving wife of 55 years,
Carol Lewis, Dubuque, IA;

his two children,
Robert “Bob” Lewis, Dubuque, IA,
and Angela (Doug) White, Asbury, IA;

his two adored grandchildren,
Adrian White and Shane White;

his sister,
Joan McEowen, Dyersville, IA;

his mother-in-law,
Marian Reittinger, Dubuque, IA;

his sisters-in-law,
Janice Lewis, Dubuque, IA,
Marilyn (Nicholas) Reiter, St. Catherine, IA,
and Becky (Craig) Jones, Key West, IA;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his twins in infancy, Mary and Joseph Lewis; his brother, Wayne Lewis; his father-in-law, Robert Reittinger; and his brothers-in-law, Bob McEowen and Ronald Reittinger.

Gary’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque, especially Chris for all of their professional and compassionate care.

Online condolences may be shared with Gary’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com