Obituary: Lewis R. Arms

BROOKLYN- Lewis R. Arms, age 82, of Brooklyn, passed away on Thursday, May 28, 2009, surrounded by his family. He was born on March 4, 1927, in Madison, the son of Charles Stepp and Mamie Arms. Lewis was the grandson of Samuel and Mary Ellen Arms (first black settlers in Hillsboro, Wis./Cheyenne Valley). Lewis grew up in the Greenbush neighborhood and attended Madison Central High School. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, from 1945 until 1946. After World War II, Lewis returned to Madison until 1952, when he re-enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving during the Korean War, as a radio telegraph operator. In February 1960, he joined the U.S. Army Reserves and served until 1987, retiring as a Command Sergeant Major. Lewis worked for the Dane County Highway Department for 24 years, retiring in 1990. Lewis was a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Sun Prairie. He was a lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 7591, American Legion Post in McFarland, and Marine Corps League. Lewis served on the board of directors for Dane County Veterans Administration and was post commander of V.F.W. Post No. 7591 for several years. He also was a proud lifetime member of the HOG Chapter. Lewis enjoyed fishing, motorcycling, playing cards, camping, and being with his family. He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Muriel of Brooklyn; six children, Lewis Arms Jr., Rita (David) Witter, Mamie Arms, Paul Arms (Dawn Brandenberg), Nancy (Sean) Arms-Simon, and John Arms; eight grandchildren, Jenny (Bill) Blair, Jake Witter, Ashley Witter, Dianne Gutierrez, Christopher Gutierrez, Lucas Brennum, Colton Arms, and Jack Simon; three great-grandchildren, Destinee Gutierrez, Dominik Blair, and Rylee Blair; and a sister, Nedra "Pearl" Raines. Lewis was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; brother, John Hall; and twin sister, Mary Ellen Arms. Funeral services will be held at OUR SAVIOR'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 550 Lincoln Drive, Sun Prairie, at 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2009, with the Rev. David J. Berggren presiding. Burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery, at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 2009, with military rites. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., with a pass in review conducted by V.F.W. Post No. 7591, at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2009, and at the church, from 2 p.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorials be made to Wounded Warriors Project or a charity of the donor's choice.Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 31, 2009