Lewis M. Hines

Lewis M. Hines, age 85, passed away on Sunday, December 14, 2025. He was born on July 4, 1940, to Dean and Goldie (Houghton) Hines. He graduated from Cassville High School in 1959. He served in the Vietnam War as an Army Medic from April 2, 1965, to February 24, 1967, earning the Army Commendation Medal for heroism on December 27, 1966.

Lewis was a man of quiet strength and steady seriousness, yet he carried a wit that could lighten any room. His humor was never loud or showy, but always clever, delivered with a twinkle in his eye. Behind his serious demeanor was a man who loved to laugh, often surprising everyone with a sharp one‑liner or playful joke. His ability to balance responsibility with humor made him not only respected but deeply cherished by those who knew him best.

On June 24, 1967, Lewis married Barbara J. Wentz. Together they owned and operated Beetown Feed and Hardware and Hines Grocery Store from approximately 1968 to 1974. To this union they had four children: Sheila, David, Rachel, and Sarah. Lewis later worked for many years as a mechanic at Cenex in Lancaster, WI. He enjoyed woodworking and watching sports, especially cheering on the Green Bay Packers. Lewis grew up with a strong sense of community, often pitching in to help neighbors with their work.

He is survived by his daughters Rachel Owens (Matt) and Sarah Kirschbaum (Travis); brothers Willis (Dorothy) and Ronnie (Irene); sisters Betty Haack and Carol Caley (Dick); half‑brothers Larry Hines and Duane Finley; half‑sisters Bonnie Wiel and Mary Kazda (Jim); grandchildren Tyler Hines, Samantha Biddle (Zach), Marissa Adams (Cole), Lauren Breuer (Jake), Jacob Stelpflug (Olivia), Hailey Hines, Zayn and Haven Kirschbaum; two bonus grandchildren Haily and Austin Owens; and many nieces, nephews, and three great‑grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son David, daughter Sheila, brother Robert Hines, brother-in-law, Arnold Haack, and half‑brothers Dean Finley and Terry Hines, and longtime companion, Sharon Myers.

Lewis’s legacy of service, humor, and generosity will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Kramer-Grau Funeral Homes & Crematory in Lancaster with Pastor Mark Hoehne officiating. Burial with military honors will be in Beetown Cemetery, Beetown Township. Family and friends may visit on Thursday, December 18, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Kramer-Grau Funeral Homes & Crematory in Lancaster and on Friday, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home.

The family would like to thank Eli James, Grant Regional Health Center Staff, Orchard Manor Nursing Home and Staff, and St. Croix Hospice Staff for their exceptional care and compassion.