Wade S. Lewis Jr.

Wade S. Lewis, Jr., 81, of Grayslake, Illinois, passed away suddenly on September 15, 2026, at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, Illinois. He was born April 6, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois, to Wade S. Lewis, Sr. and Lou Anna Lewis.

Wade was a man of remarkable character who walked through life with grace, kindness, humility, patience, openness, decency, and a wonderfully unique sense of humor. He treated everyone with respect—acquaintances and strangers alike—often with nothing more than a smile, a nod, or a simple greeting.

But perhaps what Wade did best was listen.

He took listening to an art form. When someone shared a story with him, Wade was genuinely interested. He listened closely, remembered what people told him, and cared about their experiences. He was often the person who would simply ask, “How can I help?” His interest in others was never for show. Wade exuded authenticity and had a way of making people feel that they mattered.

He faced medical challenges and the restrictions they placed on his life without complaint. This was especially difficult for a man who had always been committed to physical fitness and a substance-free lifestyle. Yet he met those challenges with the same quiet strength and acceptance that characterized so much of his life. He never allowed his limitations to define him or diminish his enjoyment of life. Without self-pity, he continued to pursue the things that interested him, appreciate the beauty around him, and find reasons to be grateful.

Wade was a veteran of the United States Army, having served during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service.

He was also a man of many interests - cooking, cycling, photography, calligraphy, sketching - and an endlessly curious mind. Wade was a lifelong learner who wanted to understand history, geography, music, and especially “how things worked.” If something around the house needed repairing, he would research it, figure it out, and give it a try.

For 40 years, Wade and Cindy shared a life filled with curiosity, laughter, music, movies, travel, projects, and the ordinary moments that become extraordinary when shared with the person you love unconditionally. Their home was a place of creativity, conversation, and companionship. Wade was happiest when he and Cindy were simply together—walking hand-in-hand, browsing art fairs and bookstores, enjoying annual traditions like the Triple Crown Races and the Tour de France, cherishing candlelight dinners, and starting and ending every day with each other.

Wade had a particular appreciation for the simple pleasures of home and nature. He was especially grateful that his home was surrounded by trees and the beauty of the natural world. In his nightly prayers, he thanked God for another day on this beautiful Earth of His.

Wade paid close attention to the world around him. He followed public affairs closely and was deeply troubled by economic and social injustice, abuses of power, and corruption. He cared about fairness and believed people deserved to be treated with dignity and decency.

Above all, Wade treasured the people he loved.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Cynthia “Cindy” Lewis; his sister, Linda Greene; his brother-in-law, Ron Wideman; his sister-in-law, Marian Brzykcy; and his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and friends, whom he held especially dear.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wade S. Lewis, Sr. and Lou Anna Lewis; his sister, Janet Wideman; and his niece, Corie Greene.

Wade leaves behind much more than memories. He leaves behind the example of a life lived with kindness, curiosity, humility, faith, and genuine care for others. He noticed people. He listened to them. He helped when he could. And he found wonder in the world around him.

He was deeply loved, and he will be deeply missed.

A memorial service is scheduled for September 25, 2026 at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030 from 10 until 12, with the service commencing at 11.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lambs Farm https://lambsfarm.org/.

For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122.