Snowmobilers take off in honor of Lewison
Published 7:07 am Monday, February 14, 2011
See a photo gallery from the event
Nearly 100 snowmobilers hit the trails on Saturday to remember a young rider who loved the sport.
Riders who took part in Saturday's Joe Lewison Memorial snowmobile ride come together before the ride and gather around Joe's snowmobile before leaving on Saturday's ride. The parents of Joe Lewison, Mary and Jon listen to Father Tom Loomis give a prayer and blessing before the start of Saturday's Joe Lewison Memorial snowmobile ride. - Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Joe Lewison, a senior at Pacelli High School and an avid rider, died Feb. 1 after the truck he was driving collided with a train south of Austin.
A memorial ride in his name started Saturday morning in Rose Creek, with a dedication to the snowmobile bridge Joe and his father, Jon, helped fabricate. After spending all day on the trails and visiting Dexter, Stewartville and Grand Meadow, riders returned to Woody’s Bar and Grill in Rose Creek to join Joe’s friends and family in what will now be a tradition.
Joe’s mother, Mary Lewison, said the whole day was mostly due to the efforts of Joe’s close friends, Tyler Bergene, Cody Erie, Trevor Emanuel and Joe’s brother Andrew. “If it wasn’t for them, today probably wouldn’t be going on right now.”
After they planned the memorial ride, they kept plotting, getting area businesses and snowmobile enthusiasts further involved. Many donated items to be auctioned off, such as clothing, housewares, electronics, gift cards, toys, snowmobile gear, accessories and more. The money from the auction, along with cash donations, will go to a memorial fund to continue the ride every year and to give scholarships to area students.
Mary said they plan to award scholarships every year to a graduating senior and continuing student at Pacelli, along with one for Southland, where Joe used to attend.
Mary said it won’t surprise her if this event raises more than $2,000.
“I don’t know how we’re ever going to be able to repay everybody,” she said.
She also wanted to thank all the area businesses and individuals who donated to the event, which were too many for her to list.
“The support of him is just unbelievable,” she said. “But if you knew him, it wouldn’t surprise you. He would have done the same thing for anybody else. It’s a reflection of who he really was.”
With all the events and planning, the past few days have been hectic for the Lewison family. Because of that, Mary said the effects haven’t settled in yet.
However, Mary is confident her family’s faith will get them through the hardship. “God will never leave us alone, and he will always allow us to know and feel Joe’s spirit every day of our lives,” she said.
