Lewis Joseph Bailey

The Bailey family bid a heartfelt farewell to an irreplaceable figure on Thursday, September 14th. Lewis “Grandpa Lew” Bailey, age 87, departed this world.  Lewis was not only a devoted husband and father but also a cherished grandfather and great-grandfather. He blazed a trail as the first HVAC contractor in his family, a role he pursued passionately for many years.

Lewis’s commitment to the HVAC industry extended beyond his own business. For a significant period, he served as an esteemed HVAC instructor at the University in Springfield and Mitchell Vo-Tech. He retired in 1999 from College of Lake County, Grays Lake, IL. It was a role that filled him with immense pride, as he imparted his knowledge and wisdom to countless students, guiding them towards successful careers in the HVAC trade. His influence reached even closer to home, as he nurtured the talents of his son, Paul Bailey, and son-in-law, Al Puig both of whom followed in his professional footsteps. Moreover, Lewis served as a mentor to his grandsons, Allen Puig and Joey Gibellino leaving a lasting legacy that transcends generations.

Lewis was born June 22, 1936 to George and Florence (Strehlow) Bailey at Lake Andes, SD. Lewis proudly served for 20 years in the Air Force as Flight Chief on B52 Bombers during the Vietnam war, retiring in 1974 as Technical Sergeant. He was united in marriage to Doris Willuweit, August 10, 1974 in Rapid City. Lewis began his own business, Bailey’s Refrigeration in 1977. A true outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, archery, ice fishing and gardening. He was an active member in the church and he looked forward to the day he would meet his Savior. He was a wonderful story teller and mentor to his grandchildren.

Lewis leaves behind his loving wife of 49 years, Doris Bailey of Tyndall; children, John (Luann) Basim of Newman, CA, Kathy (Al) Puig of Mission Viejo, CA and Paul (Helen) Bailey of Norfolk NE; grandchildren, Nicholas (Mallory), Shane and Troy Basim, Allen (Kim) Puig, Michelle (Joey) Gibellino, Mellissa (Ben) Wilkey, Trevor and Tyler Bailey and Tori (Zach) Koopman; and 12 great-grandchildren; sisters, Mary Olson and Rose Tomlinson along with his favorite travel companion, Angie, his German shorthair.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Florence Bailey; son, Raymond Bailey; brother, George Bailey and sister, Cora McKinney. 

Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with a 7 p.m. prayer service, Thursday, September 21 at Goglin Funeral Home in Tyndall.

Funeral services begin at 10 a.m. Friday, September 22 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Yankton.

Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery in Burke, SD at 3:30 p.m.