1
tree
planted in memory of Ted Ewalt Lewis
Obituary for Ted Ewalt Lewis
Ted Lewis, 84, of Peoria, IL, passed away on December 14th surrounded by his family.
Ted was born on July 27th, 1938 to Ben and Thelma Lewis in Peoria. He grew up in Hanna City and graduated from Farmington High School in 1955, he went on to study Metallurgy at Illinois Institute of Technology. While at IIT he worked for Caterpillar as a co-op.
After graduation, he continued to work at Caterpillar for 34 years. He was part of the team that built the Mapleton foundry and was very proud to be a part of that accomplishment. In 1991, Ted retired from Solar Turbines in San Diego, CA, a subsidiary of Caterpillar. He continued his engineering career, working for many companies and fully retired in 2006.
While living in San Diego, he met and fell in love with Helen. They were married in 1989 and were with each other through all of life's ups and downs.
Ted and Helen have 5 children, Laura (Lewis) David Loveland, Julie (Lewis) Hielen, Dorthee Teboul (Wayne), Michel Teboul, Keith Teboul (Lena). Ted was a wonderful and devoted father, husband and brother and friend.
He always taught us to keep moving forward and supported us all throughout the many accomplishments and difficulties of our lives.
When Ted wasn't working, he could be found on his boat. An avid water-skier, Ted dedicated much of his time to teaching others to enjoy the water and skiing. He and Helen spent many weekends on the boat cruising, swimming and enjoying the sun.
Ted and Helen both enjoyed scuba diving and took advantage of every opportunity to dive while traveling to many parts of the world.
Ted was very dedicated to his physical fitness routines which included running, calisthenics and swimming. He even swam in the Senior Olympics. He also loved to play basketball with his friends and with his daughter, Julie.
Ted also enjoyed musical theatre. He designed many sets for Caterpillar chorus, was a stage manager and even danced a few productions.
Ted was predeceased by his parents, Ben and Thelma Lewis. He is survived by his wife, Helen; his children, 7 grandchildren, Joshua Teboul-Oxley (Alex), Cheyenne Adamo, Melissa Richards, Cassie Richards, Cordelia Hielen, Robin Hielen, Rev Teboul; and 1 great-grandchild, Emery Vahle. He is also survived by his three siblings, Jill (Barry) Gilbertson, Ann (John) Williams and Jon Lewis. He treasured family gatherings, spending time telling stories and teasing his nieces and nephews.
The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to Pet Central Helps in Bloomington. There will be a Celebration of Life service at Lutheran Hillside Village Chapel on December 18th at 4 PM.
The Cremation Society of Mid-Illinois Co. Pekin/Peoria is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at csmico.com
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