Watch Chub's Service

Committal Service with Military Honors will be held at the First Lutheran Church Cemetery, Mahnomen, MN, on Friday, May 31, 2024, at 3:00 pm .

Lewis "Chub" Cox, age 90, of Mahnomen, MN, died Saturday, December 23, 2023, at his home surrounded by family and friends and under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Lewis Martin, the son of Martin Oscar and Rose Della (Hankinson) Cox, was born on March 5, 1933, in Oricnt, WA.  Lewis received his nickname, Chub, as an infant and the name stuck with him.  As a young boy, Chub moved with his parents to Omak, WA, where he grew up and attended school.  He proudly served in the United States Army for two years, spending one of those years in Korea.  After his discharge, Chub came to Minnesota with a friend and began working in well drilling.  He met the well-driller's daughter, Janice Espe and the two quickly became inseparable.  They were united in marriage on June 2, 1957, and spent the next 53 years together.  They lived for a few years in Omak before returning to Mahnomen to be closer to Janice's family.  Janice passed away on August 12, 2010, and Chub continued to make his home in Mahnomen.

Chub and Jan were active in the community and involved with many family activities.  They cherished their nieces and nephews and were like second grandparents to them all.  Chub enjoyed socializing and playing cards with friends and neighbors. They loved traveling and often took trips to the western states spending time in Washington state with Chub's family.  He was an avid deer hunter, which was an activity he shared with his wife and several friends.  Chub had many interests, and over the years, worked at a variety of jobs, including well drilling, construction, refinishing furniture, and janitorial positions.  In his retirement years, he was employed at the Casino.

He is survived by two brothers: Bert Cox of Omak, WA, and Merle (MaryLou) Cox of Clarkston, WA; one sister, Dixie Vining of Riverwood, WA; brother-in-law, Harold Espe of Ogema, MN; sisters-in-law, Betty Aanerud of Waubun, MN, and Nancy (Dave DeCock) of Fargo, ND; many nieces and nephews; Karen Stech, whom he thought of as a granddaughter; and a dear friend, Geri Aanerud and her family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jan; one brother, Lyle; and two sisters, Bertha Dills and Velma Zewalds.

A Memorial Service was held Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 10:00 am at Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen, MN, with a Time of Gathering one hour prior. A Committal Service with Military Honors will be held at the First Lutheran Church Cemetery, Mahnomen, MN, on Friday, May 31, 2024, at 3:00 pm.