MIDDLETON / WAUNAKEE - Gladys Helen Lewis, age 92, died on June 24, 2013, at Waunakee Manor. Glad was born in Madison on Aug. 5, 1920, the daughter of Olaf and Sena (Langeteig) Harney. She graduated from Central High School in 1938, and embarked on a secretarial career that, with periodic vocational education, would span nearly fifty years. She worked for various employers including Oscar Mayer, Madison Public Schools, University of Wisconsin-Madison Residence Halls, University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire, Frautschi Furniture, the UW-Extension International Cooperative Training Center, and the Wisconsin Geological and National History Survey. In July, 1940, Glad married her love, Hugh Lewis. When Hugh entered military service in 1942, she accompanied him while he underwent training at various army airfields in the southern U.S. prior to his departure overseas in December, 1943. During Hugh's absence she had her first son, Steven, in February, 1944, and raised him alone until Hugh's return in July, 1945. A second son, Robert, followed in 1948. Glad was a loving wife and mother who foremost was devoted to her husband and children. She was an excellent cook, home decorator, hostess, seamstress, and knitter, whose abilities in these areas greatly added to her family's joie de vivre. She was an avid bridge player with her circle of friends and enjoyed travel. While physically active she enjoyed time spent with her husband playing tennis and golf; the latter sport was her passion which she continued to enjoy on television after she could no longer play. The last two decades of her life were largely spent caring for her husband, ill with cancer, prior to his death in 2010. Hugh and Glad were married for 69 years. After Hugh died she enjoyed a brief respite until her own health deteriorated. Glad is survived by her two sons, Steven and his wife Ellen of Madison, and Robert and his wife Margy of Middleton; by grandchildren, Amy (Lewis) Levy of Eden Prairie, Minn., and Andrew Lewis of Madison; as well as nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hugh; her brother, Olaf of Calif.; and her sister, Inez of Texas. The family would like to express their appreciation to the nurses, CNAs, and administrative staff at Waunakee Manor Health Center for their skilled, diligent, and kind care during Glad's stay there. In accordance with her wishes, there will be no services. Memorials may be given to Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Inc. P.O. Box 628242 Middleton, WI 53562-8242, or to the UW American Family Children's Hospital, 1675 Highland Ave., Madison, WI 53706.
Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 14, 2013. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).
