Dr. Ward Henry Lewis

Dr. Ward Henry Lewis, age 94, of Forest Lake, Minnesota, passed away April 11, 2026.

Ward was born on August 6, 1931, to Dr. Ward M. Lewis and Helen Emma Charlotte (Noren) Lewis. He attended Gustavus Adolphus College, where he met the love of his life, Beverly Jean Jarchow, introduced through a mutual friend to “go Dutch” on rides home. After only one trip, Ward decided he’d always be her ride and refused gas money. They wed October of 1954.

Ward earned his doctorate in chiropractic from Northwestern College of Chiropractic, during which he served in Korea. He later took over the family practice, where he was known not just for his scientific mind but the art of healing. Early in his career, Ward traveled to China and Thailand to study acupuncture and other ancient practices, long before they were widely accepted in the United States.

That same curiosity drove the couple to travel extensively, an echo of their co-pilot meet-cute, Ward and Bev took to the road in their motorhome, traveling extensively across the country. Together, they logged over 425,000 miles, visiting all contiguous United States, as well as Alaska, Canada, and Mexico.

Ward loved fishing, golfing, good food, and even better company. A self-taught tinkerer and engineer, he could design and build nearly anything – from board games to complex mechanics. A skilled woodworker and carver, he continued creating well into retirement. While living in Arizona, he built detailed scale structures for a Garden Railroad. He was, in every sense, a quiet renaissance man.

Ward was a deeply kind and gentle man with a childlike curiosity and a genuine interest in new experiences. More than anything, he loved his family. Ward is survived by his sons, Dr. David Lewis (Julie) and Todd Lewis; his grandsons, Ryan Lewis (Jessica) and Dr. Kyle Lewis (Franny); and his great-granddaughters, Morgan, Sarah, and Claire; as well as his brother, Vinton Lewis and a full extended family.

He was dearly loved and will be deeply missed – a true gentleman, a devoted husband, and a steady presence whose life was defined not by noise, but by quiet commitment, curiosity, and care. The family offers their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Amria Choice and Ecumen Hospice. The family is forever grateful for the genuine care and compassion shown Ward and them throughout his time in their care.

A celebration of life will be held on July 9, 2026, at Faith Lutheran Church, 886 N. Forest Lake Dr., Forest Lake, with visitation at 10:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. Interment at Fort Snelling will follow.