Benjamin David Lewis, age 91, passed away Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026, at his residence in Grand Rapids, MN.

Ben was born in 1935, one of twelve children to Clifford and Lola Lewis in Batesville, Arkansas, where he attended school before enlisting in the Army.  He served our country from 1954 through 1957 in the US Army, during which time he married the love of his life, wife of 69 years, Cecelia "Dude" Chidester.  Their union began on February 23rd, of 1957 in Ft. Lewis, Washington, which they made their home until settling in Cohasset, Minnesota.

Ben worked as a professional pipefitter for various companies until his career path led him to Minnesota Power, where he worked for 15 years until his retirement.  His passion for fishing and traveling was well known, as he and Dude spent the colder months in places like Arizona, Florida, and Texas.  If he didn't have a rod and reel in hand, he could be found piecing puzzles together as a favorite pastime.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Lola (Smith); his son, Benjamin Clifford Lewis; siblings, Bob Lewis, Jean Varnell, Carol Lee, Paul Lewis, Earl Lewis, Gerald Lewis, and Harry Lewis; as well as his brother-in-law, Edward Chidester.

Ben is survived by his wife Cecelia "Dude", son Tony (Victoria) Lewis; daughter-in-law, Jackie Lewis of Grand Rapids, MN; sister, Maxine Fuller; brothers, Jimmy Lewis, Dennis (Marcia) Lewis, and Mickey (Sue) Lewis; grandchildren, Chris, Kayla (Josh) Peura, Trevor (Kelly) Lewis, Micah (Stephanie) Lewis, and Brady Lewis; as well as 10 great-grandchildren, and many extended family members.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 30th, 2026, from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at St. Augustine's Catholic Church, Cohasset, MN, with a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11:00AM at the church.  Fr. Blake Rozier will officiate. Ben will be laid to rest with full military honors at Wildwood Cemetery, Cohasset, MN immediately following the service.

Arrangements are with Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.