Sidney Cyrus “Sid” “Skipper” Lewis

Sidney Cyrus Lewis, known to family and friends as “Sid” and “Skipper,” age 82, of Willard, Wisconsin, began his journey to the spirit world on the morning of September 20, 2026.

Sid was born on January 18, 1944, to Sidney R. Lewis and Esther Stacy-Lewis. His father was a member of the Pima Tribe, and Sid spent time in the Gila River Indian Community. After his mother passed away on March 5, 1944, shortly after his birth, Sid was raised by Tillie Stacy-Buker and his grandparents, John and Martha Stacy. Sid also knew and spoke the Ho-Chunk language.

Sid was known for his intelligence, commitment to learning, and accomplished career. He earned a master’s degree and held respected positions in higher education. Family members recall that he taught at Lakeland College and held positions at the University of Wisconsin–Stout Polytechnic and Rochester Community College.

Throughout his career, Sid applied his knowledge and abilities to serve others. Family members recall that he worked as a grants writer for the State of Wisconsin and as a planner and consultant for the Ho-Chunk Nation, including working for a Tribal President. Among his most meaningful accomplishments was helping facilitate housing for Ho-Chunk elders during the late 1990s.

Sports, competition, and adventure were important parts of Sid’s life. He played football and basketball in his youth and remained an avid basketball fan throughout his life. Sid was also an accomplished pool player and was considered a Class A player. Sid played in the M8 Triple Crown Pool League in the Twin Cities. He was especially proud of his team’s Class A tournament victory during the 2003 Winter Carnival. He competed in numerous tournaments and earned several trophies. Although many of the tournaments took place in bars, Sid did not drink alcohol.

Sid also loved cars and racing. He owned a Pontiac Trans Am and competed in bracket racing at Rock Falls Raceway outside Eau Claire, earning trophies for his accomplishments. In the late 1960s, he owned a red Alfa Romeo sports car while working as a lifeguard in Eau Claire. He also collected firearms.

Sid enjoyed photography and often brought a quality camera with him to events. He was also especially fond of eating eggs. His free spirit and endearing quirks were part of what made him Sid to those who knew him. He strongly advocated for others, recognized the potential in the people around him, and encouraged them to pursue their dreams.

Sid was preceded in death by his parents, Sidney R. Lewis and Esther Stacy-Lewis; his daughter, Maurine Price-Waddington, who passed away on April 6, 2012; his half-siblings Richard Lewis, Kate Harrington, and Linda Lewis; his relative and good friend George Stacy Sr.; and his first cousin Ken Buker Sr., the son of Tillie Stacy-Buker.

He is survived by his grandson, Jared Price; his half-siblings Judith Kilpatrick, Cynthia Parker, Paul Lewis, Dawn Evers, Gregory Lewis, Craig Lewis, and Nancy Clemins; his former wife, Nona Bailey; his first cousins Bonnie Stroessner, Dale Stephens, and Mona Garthune (husband Dave, son Brett, and Brett’s daughters Isabella and Scarlett Garthune); and other relatives, including Ken Buker Jr., a relative and neighbor who was there for Sid; Paul Fox (children Victoria and Alec Fox); and Kim Stolarczyk (children Cody, Tiffany, and Destiny Stolarczyk). He is also survived by George Stacy Jr., an extended family member and good friend of Sid’s; the Stacy family; and many other relatives and friends.

Sid will be remembered for his intelligence, accomplishments, years of service, love of sports and racing, free spirit, endearing quirks, and belief in others’ potential. Those who knew him will carry his memory and encouragement.

A public visitation will be held on Monday, September 28, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Gesche Funeral Home & Cremation Service (4 South Grand Avenue, Neillsville, WI 54456). A funeral service will follow there from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m.

A reception will follow at The Willard Well (N8631 County Road G, Willard, WI 54493) from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.