William “Bill” Lewis, 74, of rural Austin, Minn., died Friday, Nov. 8, 2013, at his home.

Bill was born on Oct. 16, 1939, in Austin to Wallace “Bud” and Evelyn (Segar) Lewis. He graduated from Austin High School in 1958. Bill married Sharon Wencl on July 14, 1979. Bill was a farmer for his entire life. In high school he was a member of FFA. He served on the Udolpho Township board for 17 years, in addition to serving on the Lansing Cemetery Board and the Mower County Historical Society Board of Directors. He was also a member of the Mower County Humane Society.

In his spare time, Bill enjoyed, refurbishing antique tractors, model T cars and trucks. He designed and built horse drawn wagons for plants, and painting and refurbishing farm equipment for the Historical Society. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved all animals, especially his cows and dogs. Bill was a mentor to many, many young farmers.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Betty Lewis.

Bill is survived by his wife, Sharon Lewis, of Austin; daughter, Stacy Bennett, of Chanhassen, Minn.; and sister, Barbara Lewis, of Austin.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12, at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dennis Tamke and the Reverend Beth Perez officiating. Interment will be at Lansing Cemetery, Lansing, Minn. Visitation will be at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary on Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. and on Tuesday morning for one hour before the service at the church.

Memorials are preferred to the donors’ choice.