Allen Lewis

Allen “Fred” Lewis, age 89, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on May 30, 1936, in Ypsilanti, Mich.

Fred was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He graduated from Milan High School in 1954, where he was active on the track and tumbling team and played football. After graduation, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving domestically for a year before joining occupational forces in Germany. A memorable highlight of his service was driving General Timberlake to NATO meetings in Paris, where he was introduced to Ginger Rogers. Fred was recognized as the most physically fit member of his unit and an expert marksman with the M-1 rifle. Though invited to train for the Olympics, he declined. He received an honorable discharge in 1956.

Fred enrolled at Western Michigan University, joining the football team as a walk-on and training as a professional dance instructor at Arthur Murray and Fred Astaire Studios in Kalamazoo. In his youth, he cherished dancing at Pittsfield Grange Hall and always sought to refine his skills.

Fred served for three years as a Kalamazoo police officer, earning a record for apprehending the most criminals “in the act.” Though encouraged to stay, he felt compelled to return to the family farm in 1961 to work alongside his father. He became the fourth generation to operate their Sesquicentennial Farm and he designed and built the iconic structure displaying its sesquicentennial sign.

On July 8, 1962, Fred married Connie Jane Kahle, a childhood friend and neighbor.

Fred served on the vestry at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Tecumseh for many years and more recently attended Christ Our King Lutheran Church in Saline. He and Connie shared a love of dancing and found joy in farm life — most recently feeding the fish and snapping turtles in their pond.

Fred is survived by his beloved wife Connie and their four daughters: Alaina (Mike) Campbell of Lake Orion, Dorothy Ann (Craig) VanderWall of Grand Rapids, Rita (David) Sanders of Tecumseh, and Lynnea Lewis of New Castle, Del. Also surviving are seven grandchildren: Ty (Lyndsey) VanderWall, Jacob (Chelsey) VanderWall, Paige (Jon) Hornak, Carissa Campbell, Caleb Campbell, Evan (Allie) Sanders, and Rachel Sanders; five great-grandchildren: Cade, Carson, and Lennon VanderWall, Callahan VanderWall, and Lucas Hornak. Fred and Connie also lovingly raised their four nephews: David, Glen, Keith, and Tim Lewis. He was preceded in death by his parents, Allen Paul and Emily Lewis, and his brother, Dale Lewis.

Visitation will be held at the Ochalek-Stark Funeral Home in Milan on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, from 4-7 p.m. and on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. A luncheon will follow the service, with a committal service at Macon Township Cemetery.

Link to Funeral Livestream: us05web.zoom.us/j/86524549434?pwd=a7fY9jhi5QgyhlQOiZKFKCEkZVOGGS.1 
Meeting ID: 865 2454 9434. Passcode: Lewis