Robert Joseph Lewis, Jr.

Born December 27, 1955, in Marquette, a son of Robert and Bertha (Erfourth) Lewis, Sr., Bob was raised in the Marquette-Harvey areas. He graduated from Marquette Senior High School, Class of 1974. Bob enlisted in the US Navy, serving from 1975 to 1979. While in the navy, Bob served as an electrician and one of his proudest achievements was having the rank of E5 and leading his own squad. Upon his honorable discharge, Bob returned to Marquette and began a 31 year employment with the Marquette Board of Light and Power. During his working career he enrolled in classes with Michigan State University and eventually became the Meter Department supervisor and also a union steward. He retired in 2010. In 1982, Bob was united in marriage to Tracey Popps and together the couple made their home in Marquette and began raising a family. Bob was a very proud husband, father, and grandpa who enjoyed every moment spent with them. Analytical, knowledgeable, and with a passion for learning, Bob especially enjoyed following the political scene, was an avid reader, and had an appreciation of history. All this came together making him an excellent debater. Bob was very sociable, possessed a great sense of humor, was well liked, and never said an unkind word about anybody, and loved to leave people smiling. As a member of Alcoholics Anonymous, he was very proud of his 37 years of sobriety and that as an AA sponsor, he had helped many others achieve sobriety along their journey. He volunteered his time and guidance at the prison and with the homeless, and had a concern for the underdog, whomever they might be. Bob’s other interests and hobbies included hunting, fishing, gold prospecting, playing cards, and playing the slots at the casino. He was an enthusiastic fan of the Packers, Red Wings, and NASCAR, and volunteered his time coaching Marquette youth in hockey and baseball. Throughout the years, no matter the challenges or how hard things got, Bob remained tough and determined, never uttering a word of complaint. He always thought of others and making life better for all. His was a life well lived and he will be missed!

Bob is survived by his wife of 42 years, Tracey; his son, Joe Lewis III, daughter, Britnee Lewis all of Marquette; grandson, Dane of Marquette; his mother, Bertha Benson of Marquette; sisters, Sherry (Darryl) Branham of Arizona and Brenda (Pete) Popps of Marquette; father-in-law, James Bellows of Marquette; stepbrother, Darrin D.J. Benson; several nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his father, Robert Lewis, Sr; stepfather, Walter “Brutz” Benson and his paternal and maternal grandparents; several aunts and uncles.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services on Friday, July 21, beginning at 10:00 am until the time of service at 1:00 pm. Rev. Daniel Moll will officiate. A reception will follow in the funeral home reception room. Casual dress encouraged.

Condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.