William "Bill" Lewno
October 9, 1939 ~ February 13, 2025
Age 85 of Forest Lake, MN. Loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend & avid outdoorsman, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on February 13, 2025. Preceded in death by parents, Roman & Sylvania Lewno; siblings Elizabeth “Betty” Freeseman, LaVern Lewno, Gale Lewno, David Lewno.
Survived by beloved wife of nearly 64 years, Carleen Lewno; children, Geneva Crabtree, Anthony “Tony” Lewno; grandchildren Lorissa Crabtree (Tim Sycks), Ryan Crabtree; siblings Duane (Cheryl) Lewno, Judy (Vernon) Cordell, Dorothy “Dottie” Lewno, Linda (Don) Waggener, Raymond (Audrey) Lewno, Sylvia (Scott) Overmyer, Tim (Mary) Lewno, Tom (Lucy) Lewno, Jeff Lewno; many nieces, nephews, other relatives & friends.
Bill was born on a farm in Grenville, SD to a family proud of it’s Polish heritage. He had an idyllic childhood helping out on the farm, and getting into mischief with his siblings. He attended a one room school house on the prairie, a mile or two from the family farm. In his spare time, Bill learned cherished hunting and fishing skills from uncles who took him under their wing, and from local Native American friends. Once grown, he came to the Twin Cities for self improvement and job opportunities. While staying in Minneapolis with his aunt and uncle, Bill got a job at Waldorf Paper Company (now West Rock). He then married a city girl, went to trade school to become a certified machinist and dedicated union member, raised a family, and advanced to management at work. Despite battling multiple health issues throughout, he lived a wonderful life. As he aged, Bill moved into his dream home on the outskirts of town, and built a wood shop. He deeply enjoyed hunting deer, especially with a bow, fishing on the lakes of northern Minnesota, especially Winnibigoshish and in the BWCA, and playing cards, especially cribbage and poker. He was always a general fix-it man, and woodworking became a hobby in retirement. Bill enjoyed traveling to Canada, Europe, and by train to Chicago later in life.
Bill was a loving and devoted husband, father, sibling, and friend. He was a bit larger than life at times, was big with the stories, and was a bit of a jokester. He had a hearty laugh, a big heart and was certainly a charmer. He is deeply missed by all who knew him.
Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Friday April 11, 2025, with visitation beginning at 10 AM at Church of St. Peter, Forest Lake, MN.
Oh Bill, where do I start. It was an absolute blessing to have gotten to know you during my time at Norbella Centerville. You are such a light to all the lives you have crossed paths with. Meeting you and your family has changed my life forever. You have made me laugh in ways that are unimaginable, and you never failed to put a smile on my face even during the busy days. Caring for you let me gain a new perspective in life, and have changed the trajectory of my medical studies forever. Rest in peace, Bill. You will be so missed.
-Mandy P.
Bill was the most kind and gentle man and resident i have ever met. When I first started working at Norbella in December, he welcomed me with open arms, always smiled when I walked in the room and always loved working together. Even on our busy days he still would make myself and everyone happy and show his patience with us. I will always have my memories with you Bill. Rest easy, until we meet again!
I affectionately called him “Billy”.
He always shared a smile and a handshake on every occasion that I interacted with him. I would often find him watching football games and we would talk about the Vikings or making his jewelry. He was kind, patient, easygoing, and always had a smile. We miss you at Norbella Billy, but we know that you are flying high, free, and out of pain. Until we meet again, rest easy Billy.
Bill truly touched my life in the short 2 years I was able to know and care for him. I learned quickly on that he would come to be one of my favorites. From his funny one liners to just how much he loved his family and how patient of a man he was. He truly made coming into work a blessing and he will be missed. ❤️
Bill has always been very close to my family as he stayed with us when he first came to Minneapolis and became more like a brother. I miss visiting with Bill and reminiscing about all our family adventures. I also miss his beautiful welcoming smile. With love, LeAnn Lewno
My Prayers are with you all. Keep your heads up, Bill is looking down on you to make sure you are. Love, Kelly
My dad (Ralph Schurrer) worked at the plant with Bill for many years. Then Bill and Carleen moved in down the street right about the time they both retired. Bill was see driving down my folks driveway on his 4 wheeler almost daily with the latest news from town hall. He and my dad would talk until one or the other would disagree. Then off Bill would go. Bill was a great friend to my parents. Rest in peace Bill .
My heart goes out to everyone who knows and loves Bill. I saw him more so when I was a child and my memories of my Uncle Bill are his boisterous laugh and that he was always joyous. He was definitely a jokester and brought a smile to everyone’s face. I, my husband, Mom, Dad, and Kelly visited him at his home years ago. We were was so proud of my Uncle Bill and his love for hunting and fishing, but what I loved most is that he was a caring and loving person and will always hold a special place in my heart.
My heart goes out to the family. I have a special place in my heart for Bill but will smile knowing he’s in heaven looking down on us.
I have so many wonderful memories of spending time with my husband’s cousins and aunts and uncles at various family get togethers and wonderful card parties. Bill and Carlene actually came to visit us in Little Rock after we moved here and we had a wonderful time showing them around. He will be missed! Rest in peace, Bill.
Bill,
greatly enjoyed playing Cribbage and visiting these past years. I remember Dad Bob Lewno and and Carlene coming to visit at our house in the 60’s and the stories of you and dad going on the basement and all the lake visits at Coon Lake. Rest in peace and leave those deer alone up there. 15- 2, a royal flush and Nibs for the win. Well played
Tim A. Lewno cousin