GERALD LEWIS

Dec. 14, 1922 - Dec. 20, 2007
ELKHART -- Elkhart native, Gerald Lewis, beloved father, grandfather, husband and friend, died peacefully at home in Santa Rosa, CA, surrounded by his children and watched over by his faithful dog, Tilly, after battling the effects of two major strokes for several years. He was 85 years old. Gerald's profession and passion was as a musician and music educator.

He graduated from the Juilliard School of Music and the University of Southern California with a master's in music pedagogy. He was a violinist with the St. Louis Symphony and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

From 1959 to 1970 Gerald taught orchestra in the Michiana School District, taking the Adams High School orchestra to many first division awards in state competitions.

He also was the concertmaster of the South Bend Symphony during those years when the orchestra was under the direction of Edwin Haymes, a lifelong friend of Gerry's. In addition he conducted the orchestra at IUSB and played with wife, Marjorie, also a violinist, in the first resident string quartet there.

In 1970 Gerald was appointed head of the string department and conductor of the orchestra at Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota, a professorship he retained until retirement, after which he was given Emeritus status. In retirement Gerald played with the Santa Rosa Symphony in California and was concertmaster of the Santa Rosa Baroque Sinfonia.

Gerald served in World War II with the Signal Corps of the Army in the European Theater, and was awarded the Bronze Star. Following the war he toured with the GI Symphony. Gerald was a lifelong hiker, bird watcher, nature enthusiast and golfer.

He is survived by children, Julie, Scott and Jackie, and by three grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Nature Conservancy.