Lewis “Zhinawise” Taylor was born to Agnes and George Taylor on March 23, 1944 in the Bashaw Township. Lewis transitioned into the Spirit World on September 28, 2024 at the age of 80 years old in Duluth, MN surrounded with his loving family.

Lewis dedicated his life to the service of his people and was a respected St. Croix Tribal Elder. He was a member of the Big Drum and the Midewin Society.

He was originally elected to the St. Croix Tribal Council in 1983, where he served as a member of Tribal Council for a period of 38 years; often serving as the St. Croix Tribal Chairman. During this time, Lewis also helped pave the way for our Gaming rights. He was very passionate about preserving our Treaty Rights and served as a member of the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Committee. At one time, Lewis was also the Chairman of the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council and represented St. Croix often at the Chippewa Federation. Lewis delivered numerous State of the Tribes Address to the State Legislature on behalf of all the Wisconsin Native Americans Tribes in Madison; always proudly representing St. Croix.

What Lewis truly enjoyed was traveling and going to numerous Powwows around Indian Country, where he could be spotted by his famous cowboy hat, sunglasses and boots. He was also fiercely loyal to his Green Bay Packers.

Lewis had a huge family and always loved time spent with children and grandchildren. We will always affectionately refer to him as Peewee, Ol man or Uncle.

Lewis wanted us to remember that where he is going is good, everything is beautiful, there is no more suffering. His family and the love of his life are waiting for him. He can put on his cowboy boots and hat on and stand tall. And when it’s our time, he will welcome us home. That was promised to us.

Lewis is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Gloria J. Benjamin and his brothers and sisters.

He is survived by his children, Percy Benjamin, Sherry Benjamin, Carmen Taylor, Rhonda Diver, Christina Martin and Harvey St. John; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and friends.

The wake will be held on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 starting at 6:00 PM at the St. Croix Tribal Center. The funeral service will take place on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at 10:00 AM at the St. Croix Tribal Center with Spiritual Leader Baabitaw. Burial will follow at the Sand Lake Cemetery with pallbearers Scott Vele, Jack McFaggen, David “Holmes” St. John, Rick Bear, Daylan Feuerhake, Jimmy Barber, Rob Phernetton, Jordan Buffalo and Joe Merrill. Honorary pallbearers are Leonard “Babe” Butler, Eugene “Gweg” Johnson, Jeff Taylor, Bronson Benjamin, Martin Johnson and Phillip Johnson.

Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home.

Last Update: Sep 30, 2024 5:26 pm CDT