2025 August 7th: Bill Lewis

Darrell Loren “Bill” Lewis, age 93, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2025, surrounded by family in the comfort of his home. Bill gifted Jo by joining her in heaven on her birthday; leaving behind a remarkable legacy of love, hard work, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Born on November 20, 1931 to Milton and Blanche Ione (Wilson) Lewis, Bill grew up in Mason City, Iowa on a farm. Bill was an avid athlete and promoted to varsity basketball as a sophomore and played football for Mason City High. Bill’s life was defined by quiet determination, deep devotion to family and a belief in the American dream — one that he not only believed in, but built with his own hands.

On October 22, 1950, Bill married the love of his life, Jo, at the iconic Little Brown Church in Iowa. Their marriage spanned 71 years of unwavering partnership, love, and mutual respect. Jo preceded Bill in death, but her presence remained a guiding light in his life until the very end.

Bill began his career at age 16 as a freight receiving clerk at the Osco Drug store in Mason City, Iowa. Through years of dedication and perseverance, Bill and Jo rose through the ranks of Jewel/Osco retail. Ultimately, he worked his way to being the president of Osco Drug.

He left Osco in 1976 to purchase 3 Osco stores and added 4 more stores to have a 7 store drug store chain called Lewis Drug. In a poetic full circle, Bill purchased the very Mason City store where he had first started as a teen and proudly turned it into a Lewis Drug. The chain existed until the last store was sold in 2000. His business thrived across South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin, a true testament to his entrepreneurial vision and tireless work ethic.

In retirement, Bill and Jo lived between Pleasant Lake in Three Rivers, Michigan and Scottsdale, Arizona. He loved the game of golf and played well into his 70’s. His memberships included Medinah and Troon Country Club. Their love and enjoyment of nature included pontoon rides on Pleasant Lake and country and desert rides fondly called “Walking the Line.”

Bill was an amazingly loving Papa who loved story telling. The stories revolved around his love for his wife “Joey,” his ultimate respect for his brother “Lefty” and other influential people in his life. He was always positive in his message delivery of life’s lessons and he was a pure leader in every way possible.

Bill is survived by his children, John Loren “Spark” Lewis, Lonnette Ann Wood (Dale), and Sherri Jo Wagner (Rodney); Grandchildren, Maxwell John Lewis, Samuel Loren Lewis, Mitchell Paul Lewis, Evelyn Aija Wagner, and Darrell Robert “Billy” Wagner; Great Grandchild, Greyson Scott Lewis (Kylie Willma, mother). He is preceded in death by his beautiful wife Mary Jo Lewis and adored grandson John Paul Lewis.

Bill Lewis lived his life with intention, heart and humor— a devoted husband, father, grandfather, visionary businessman and a man who never forgot where he came from.