MADISON - Our precious brother Ricky passed away on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023. He was the baby of the family, born on Jan.27, 1964, at St. Mary’s Hospital, the youngest and most perfect child of Kay and Al Lewis.

With faith in Christ and a heart full of love, he was lifted to heaven and reunited with Mom and Dad; brother, Jim and sister-in-law, Beth Lewis; sister, Diane Shroble; nephews, Pat Moran and Dwayne Chase; dear friend, Ann Behrens; and other relatives and special friends.

Rick often said, “Wow, we know a lot of people in heaven,” and now our superhero awaits us there. He leaves behind his sisters, Kathy (John) Birrenkott, Debbie (Gene) Mahlum and Mary Lewis; and brother-in-law, Jack Shroble. Uncle Rick loved and was loved by his nephews and nieces, Justin, Lance, Mike, Michelle, Deborah, Cammarie and Jessica; great-nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends, including his favorite gal, Pam Castleberg; and irreplaceable neighbors, The Boomsma Family.

With our parents’ insightful direction, Rick was guided into the best programs and community agencies that helped him become who he was: a smart, sweet and often salty, fun-loving, absolutely adorable, fantastic, and all-around pretty great guy. He was easy to love and loved everyone. If you met Rick, you were his friend. If you shared a cheeseburger and Mountain Dew with him, you were his best friend. He enjoyed family gatherings, playing sports, music, drawing, Classic TV and TV trivia, “Days of our Lives,” “Batman,” the King, the Lakeview Branch Library, organizing his room, hanging out, and his nightly Trouble games with Mom.

Rick was proud to be a Northsider, attending school at Kiddie Camp, Sunnyside, Lapham, Gompers, and was a 1985 graduate of East High School.

Community Work Services supported Rick throughout his career. He shared his talents at Olds Seeds, Amy’s Café, Morgan’s Restaurant, Rocky’s, Fess and Edgewater Hotels. His most recent employers were Jung Garden Center, where he celebrated his 15-year anniversary in 2014, and the Dane County Courthouse. He loved his work, his coworkers, job coaches, the independence his jobs provided, and of course, the paycheck. Upon retirement in 2014, he went on to enjoy his days at MARC East, Community Support Network, and most recently Catholic Charities Day Center.

Rick loved to shop. He and mom were regulars at thrift stores and Shopko, where you could find Rick in the “tronics” department picking out his next CD. After their outings, they headed to The American Table Restaurant-their favorite spot, not only for a meal but for the friendships they had with the servers.

Rick was happiest when participating in sports through the East YMCA Adaptive Program. He was awarded many medals and ribbons in bowling, basketball, softball, track and field, swimming, and bocce ball. He was proud to be a part of the Torch Run and recite the Special Olympics oath during a few open ceremonies. Win or lose, Rick was a good sport, cheering on his teammates and opponents alike.

Rick enjoyed attending Gigi’s Playhouse, where he met new friends and reunited with friends from his younger days. He would reminisce about his time at summer camp, ReCreation, at St. Coletta’s. The music, activities, friendships, and shenanigans were memorable.

Special thanks to “Team Rick,” his cheerleaders and the finest support team ever: Kim Gennich, his longtime friend and mentor, Susan Watson, Dane County support broker, the Rise Up Staff, who lovingly cared for him in his home for six years, housemate and buddy, Don B., TMG IRIS consultant, Jodi, UW Home Based Primary Care, Dr. Kramer and PA Breah, WIN Nurse Sherry and the therapists of Continuum Therapy. Rick had several stays at UW Hospital, and each and every person involved in his care was stellar. Thank you.

Rick, you will forever be in our hearts.

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023, with Pastor Jeff Vanden Heuvel presiding. A Life Celebration will follow until 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will take place at Highland Memory Gardens.

Memorials may be gifted in Rick’s name to Gigi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Center. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Richard Edward Lewis

January 27, 1964 - August 11, 2023

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