Byron Lewis (Bob) Lewison, 83, of Austin died Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009 at his residence in Austin.

He was born July 2, 1926 in Adams, Minn. to Melvin and Josie (Benson) Lewison. Following high school, Bob served in the US Navy. He was married to Betty C. Wright on May 8, 1948 in Las Vegas, Nev. They resided in Austin where he was employed with Usem’s Chevrolet as a salesman and the used car manager. Bob enjoyed exercising, horseback riding, hunting, playing softball and jogging.

He was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church, The American Legion, Cedar Valley Conservation Club and a charter member of the Austin YMCA. He was also a Tin Can Sailor, member of the USS Jenkins Crew and former member of the Eagles and VFW.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, wife Betty, grandson, Stephen Collette and brother, Milo.

He is survived by his children, Billie (Gary) Poorman, St. Louis Park, Minn., Barbara (Franklin) Collette, Champion, Mich., Sydney (Cory) Lewison, Salem, Ind., Jolene (Wayne) Schimek, Hayfield, Minn.; eight grandchildren, Dawn (Ed) Czenkus, Michael Thomson, Darren (Molly) Thomson, Kari (John) Torrey, Jeff (Kate) Lewison, Greg (Jaime) Rockvam, Angie Lewison, Amy Rockvam; 15 great-grandchildren, Jason, Justin, Michael, Tiffany, Benjamin, Megan, Ella, Andrew, Hannah, Ryan, Seth, Aidan, Delaney, Shelby, Matthew; eight great-great-grandchildren, Dominic, Andrew, Stephen, Leah, Milana, Collin, Noah, J’dan.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church with the Rev. Ron Barnett officiating. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetary in Austin. Friends may greet the family for one hour before the service. The family prefers memorials. Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Organist will be Neal Erickson.

Honorary Bearers will be Curtis Lewison, Eugene Lewison, Idore Lewison, Maynard Lewison, Richard Lewison, Roger Lewison, Stanley Lewison, Randy Tucktenhagen.