Lewis was born in Carroll, Iowa, where he grew up attending the Manning Community Schools. He graduated from the Manning Community High School with the class of 1953. Soon after graduation, Lewis enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on February 6, 1957, serving his country for four years and receiving his honorable discharge on January 12, 1961. He returned to Iowa and worked for Farmland Industries, trucked independently and for Mau Trucking in Ida Grove, and farmed. He retired from Farmland Industries after more than 30 years of service to the company.

In his leisure time, Lewis enjoyed socializing with friends over coffee at Burger King in Denison and watching the deer at Yellow Smoke Park. In earlier years, he enjoyed deer hunting and fishing and continued to enjoy fishing with his grandchildren. He was comfortable in his bib overalls and cap and could be found working crossword puzzles or listening to Big Joe Polka parties on TV. Other events he enjoyed were professional wrestling on TV, westerns and going to the sale barn and going on rides with Joleen. During his farming operation, he especially enjoyed raising pigs.

Lewis was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Leon Puck; one daughter, Vicki Puck; two sisters, Viola Boger and Deloris Puck; and one brother, Donald Puck. Survivors include his dear partner of many years, Joleen; two daughters: Lynn and her husband, Dennis; and Rebecca; two sons: Eric and Rob; one step-son, Ricky and his wife Cheri; one step-daughter, Peggy and her husband, George; two grandchildren, Bobbi and Kody; three step-grandchildren, Mario, JT, and Destiny; two sisters, Alice and Shirley Puck.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 21, 2010, at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison, Iowa. Rev. David Sewing officiated the service and graveside rites held at Crawford Heights Memory Gardens in Denison. Organist Karen Kahl provided accompaniment for vocalists Bobbi and Kody Salzkorn and congregational hymns, "Amazing Grace," "Lift High the Cross" and "How Great Thou Art." Honorary pallbearers were Bobbi Salzkorn, Peggy Archila, Kody Salzkorn and Ricky Berner. Serving as pallbearers were Duane Boettger, Jeffrey Boettger, Jacob Boettger, Rob Saunders, Roger Wernerburg, Ralph Hansohn, Delaine Boger, and Garry Puck. Military honors were by Charter Oak American Legion Homer Hall Post 66.