Craig Jay Lewis

Craig Jay Lewis was born September 7, 1951 to Robert J. and Emily Doris (Lorack) Lewis in Iowa City, Iowa. His family moved to Moorhead, MN shortly after his birth. He passed away March 11, 2014 at Sanford Medical Center, Fargo after a vigilant battle with cancer.

He attended parochial and public school in Moorhead, graduating from Moorhead Senior High School in 1969. He attended Moorhead State College (MSUM), graduating with a degree in Medical Technology in 1973. He worked as a medical technologist at St. Francis Hospital in Breckenridge, MN and St. John’s Hospital in Fargo. He became an instructor of Health Occupations at the East Grand Forks (MN) Area Vocational Technical Institute in 1976, a position he held until 1983. He worked at United Hospital in Grand Forks, ND as a part-time medical technologist while obtaining a master’s degree at the University of North Dakota. While attending UND, he met Donna L. McCabe, a fellow graduate student, whom he married on June 25, 1983 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bismarck, ND.

Craig and Donna relocated to Fargo in 1984 and he became employed by Boehringer Mannheim (now Roche Diagnostics) in May of 1985. He was a medical sales specialist until his retirement on December 31, 2011.

Craig and Donna had a son, Brett Robert on December 8, 1987. He was, and still is the joy of their life. Craig enjoyed attending Brett’s musical performances throughout high school and college, particularly his master’s recital from Indiana University and most recently his performances with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. To say the least, Craig was immensely proud!

Craig was passionate about many volunteer opportunities. As a former Cub Scout and Boy Scout, he eventually became an Assistant District Commissioner for the Northern Lights Council. He founded the US Coast Guard Auxiliary Lakes Area Flotilla in Detroit Lakes and remained active in that group for twenty years. Since his retirement he fulfilled a lifelong goal of becoming a Minnesota Master Naturalist. This led to countless hours of volunteer service at the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, Rochert, MN. He, along with other members of the “Friends of Tamarac”, secured pledges and funding for the Tamarac Discovery Center, presently under construction. His dream was to live until its completion, which unfortunately was not possible.

He was an active member of Olivet Lutheran Church, serving on the Olivet Foundation, Health Ministry committee and a member of the usher team, fondly known as the “A” team.

Craig is survived by his wife, Donna and son, Brett (Christa Saeger, fiancée). He also leaves several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by both of his parents.

Memorials are preferred to the Tamarac Discovery Center, Olivet Parish Nursing program or charity of your choice.

The family expresses a deep gratitude for the exceptional care from the staff at the Roger Maris Cancer Center, Fargo.

To view Craig's Tribute Video visit www.philpetersonproductions.com/hr-memorials.htm