Lewis Rave

Lewis Arthur Rave was born on November 20, 1943 to Alfred and Frieda (Veen) Rave in Chester, South Dakota. He was raised on the family farm east of Dell Rapids, South Dakota. He attended country school and in 1961, graduated from high school in Trent, South Dakota. Following his education, Lewis enlisted into the United States Navy. He honorable served his country during the Vietnam Era and was stationed primarily in Scotland and Cuba. Following his service, Lewis returned to the Dell Rapids area and began farming and raising horses. He also enjoyed driving his blue corvette. On April 26, 1968 Lewis was united in marriage to Judy “Fran” Voss. In the early 70s, the young family moved to the Wayzata and New Prague, Minnesota areas. In 1976, they moved to the Ihlen, Minnesota area. At the time, Lewis went to work for Weiland Construction as a laborer, along with showing their horses professionally, for nearly five years. He then went to work at Bayliner for over ten years. Lewis lastly took a position driving school bus for the Pipestone school district. At first, he drove for Priester Bus Inc., and most recently was driving for Ludolph Bus Service. On Friday, December 2, 2016, Lewis passed away at the Pipestone County Medical Center at the age of 73 years and 12 days.

Over the years, Lewis enjoyed being active through his children’s involvement in 4-H. He was an avid horseman and beef show cattle enthusiast. In earlier years, he enjoyed coon hunting and caring for all his animals on his place. Lewis enjoyed following all his grandchildren’s activities and never missed an opportunity to brag about them to others.

Lewis is lovingly remembered by his wife, Fran of Jasper; two daughters, Nadine (Jay) Menning of Aberdeen, South Dakota; and Riann Rave (Vaughn Peterson) of Marshall, Minnesota; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; three brothers, Elwood of Wyoming, Alfred of Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Clarence (Joyce) of Lake Madison, South Dakota; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Bertus and Earl Rave.