Wilma C. Lewis (nee Giesler), age 91, of Rochester, IL, formerly of Springfield, IL, entered celestial life on the morning of January 28th. Wilma was born in Jasper, IN, on October 10, 1932, the daughter of Leo J. Giesler and Adelene C. (Blessinger) Giesler. Wilma spent her formative years in Jasper, skipping a grade in elementary school and graduating from Jasper High School in 1949.

She attended Nazareth School of Nursing at St. Joseph Infirmary in Louisville, KY, graduating with honors in 1952. She met her husband, the late Dr. David B. Lewis, when he was completing his internship at St. Joseph's Infirmary. They married on his birthday, February 20, 1954. They began their married life in Elizabethtown, KY, where Dave started his medical practice with Wilma as his nurse. They also started their family with the first of 5 children. They moved to Little Rock Air Force Base, where Dave completed his military service, on to St. Louis with two children in tow, where her husband completed his medical training in Radiology, and then to Springfield, IL, in 1960, beginning their long relationship with Memorial Hospital and having three more children to complete their family.

While in Springfield, Wilma and her family were members and supporters of Christ the King Parish for 56 years. Wilma was an active member of the Springfield Art Association, The St. Joseph's Coterie, and the Sangamon County Medical Society Women's Auxiliary, of which she was a past president from 1974-1975. She enjoyed travel, symphony concerts, art museums, playing bridge, cooking, and helping others. Primarily, she enjoyed nurturing and spending time with her family as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She had many dear friends who enjoyed her caring spirit and quick wit.

Wilma is survived by her children, Dr. David B. Lewis, Jr. (Dr. Christine Culp), Dr. Steven Lewis (Elaine Honomichl Lewis), Janet Kline (John), Mark Lewis, Ph.D., and Fred Lewis (Cathy Murray); seven grandchildren, Anne Rhine (David), Kathleen Lewis (Casey Foley), Kat Kline, David Kline, Will Lewis, Grant Lewis, and Burns Lewis and two great-grandchildren, Finn Foley and Rhea Rhine. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Dr. David B. Lewis, Sr., and her sister, Norma Giesler.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 6 at St. Jude Catholic Church, 633 South Walnut, Rochester, Illinois,  from  9:00-11:00 AM with the funeral liturgy service at 11:00 AM with Rev. Charles Edwards. A private burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Please consider a donation in Wilma's memory to Lincoln Memorial Gardens or the  St. Vincent DePaul Society.

Wilson Park Funeral Home in Rochester is in charge of arrangements.