Obituary: Marian Lewis

Marian Lewis

New Rockford, N.D.

Marian Elaine Lewis, age 97, passed away on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd in New Rockford, N.D.

Marian Lewis' visitation was held Friday, March 15, 2024, from 1-2 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m., all at Grace Lutheran Church, Sheyenne, N.D. Her burial followed at the Riverside Cemetery, Sheyenne, N.D. Pastor Jeff Halvorson officiated with special music by organist Eunice Throlson. Congregational hymns were "Amazing Grace" and "I Love to Tell the Story." Pallbearers were RJ Hanson, Randy Lewis, Jeremy Lewis, Corby Lewis, Joe Lewis and Neil Westby. Honorary bearers were Melissa Myer, Sarah O'Connell, Janete Thornton, Johnna Torr, Stacie Moses, Payton Hunt, Sydney Schieffer, Toni Schieffer, Layni Schieffer and Marni Schieffer.

Marian Elaine Lewis was born June 10, 1926 in Shell Lake, Wisc. to John and Bernice (Bjugstad) Kruger. At the age of two, she and her parents followed her uncles, the Bjugstad boys, to Sheyenne, who had established a business on main street. Her parents settled on a farm north of Sheyenne, and their family grew with five more children. She and her siblings would share a close bond throughout their entire life.

Marian and her siblings attended the Plainview #3 Country School in Rock Township. She completed her high school education in Sheyenne, graduating with the Class of 1944. She continued on, earning her Teacher's Certificate in a 6-week program at Minot Teacher's College.

Her first job took her to Lake Washington School, east of New Rockford. This new teacher caught the eye of the older brother to four of her students, and on February 19, 1947, she became Mrs. Clayton Lewis. Together, she and Clay raised five children, teaching them all the value of hard work. Throughout their married life, they moved numerous times. When Marian would talk about their many moves, Clayton would always respond that meant he had moved her beloved, but very heavy, piano, that many times.

In 1969, they moved to their farm near Sheyenne, where Marian remained for the next 50 years. In 1971, she and Clayton purchased the Corner Café in town, and she began her 20-year adventure as owner/operator, and became well known for her wonderful caramel rolls, always made with farm fresh cream. Never one to sit around, after she retired she worked as a library aide at the Sheyenne School, and enjoyed seeing her grandkids every day.

Marian's other love in life was playing her piano. She had amazing talent, having learned from her mother. She and her mother would often play duets, with Marian at the piano and mother, Bernice playing the organ. She spent many hours of her life sitting at the piano, and it seemed to be a comfort to her in the years after losing Clay. Even when there were so many things later in life she did not remember, her music was never forgotten.

We are comforted to know that Marian is finally once again with her beloved Clay, her daughters Lynn and Pam, her granddaughter Stefanie, daughter-in-law Norma, her parents and her sisters, Fern and Darlene, and many sisters and brothers-in-law.

Marian leaves behind her sons John and David (June) Lewis; daughter Heidi (Corey) Schieffer; 15 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren; her sisters Shirley and Maxine; brother Stanley; and brother-in-law Chuck.

We would like to sincerely thank all of her friends and caregivers through the years, while she was at home and during her years at the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd. Your kindness and care is very appreciated.

Arrangements by Evans Funeral Home of New Rockford and Carrington, N.D.