Darren Michael Lewis, 38, of Austin, passed away Saturday morning, Sept. 24, 2011.

Darren was born March 25, 1973, in Austin, to Mike and Karen (Knott) Lewis. He grew up in Austin where he graduated from Austin High School in 1991. Darren double majored in psychology and economics, receiving his bachelor’s degree from Mankato State in 1996.

On Jan. 20, 2004, he married Lindsay Leif, having a tropical wedding in the Dominican Republic. Darren was the owner of Lewis Painting in Austin. He was an extremely talented painter and well respected throughout the area. Darren loved his co-workers and was proud to have such a talented team working with him.

Darren was an avid runner, participating in many races and marathons, starting at age 9 and being the youngest competitor to complete Grandma’s Marathon, and the second-youngest marathon runner ever in the U.S. Darren was also a huge sports fanatic and you could always count on him to know all the latest stats and scores. He played golf, volleyball and his most recent love — kickball. His smile lit up the room and he was a friend to everyone he met.

Darren’s true passion was his family. He had a special place in his heart for his brothers and sister. He was a devoted husband and loving father. He loved spending time with his children and taking tropical vacations with his wife. You could always find Darren having fun with the kids, whether it was wild rides on the family’s four wheeler, playing games or attending sporting events. Of all Darren’s accomplishments, he was most proud to be a dad, and he was an amazing father. He will be dearly missed by all his children.

Survivors include his wife, Lindsay and their four children, Jayden (8), Kendahl (6), Lexi (4), Marek (1), all of Austin; parents, Mike and Karen (Knott) Lewis, Austin; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Paul and Deb Leif, Austin; brothers, Scott (Debbie) Lewis, Austin, Brett (DeeDee) Lewis, Holmen, Wis.; sister, Dana (Riley) Kvam, Minneapolis; brother-in-law, Ryan (Briea) Leif, Austin; sister-in-law, Alyson Leif, Hollywood, Calif.; grandparents, Joyce and Gordon Knott, Portland, Ore.; 11 nieces and nephews; countless loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Roswell and Ann Lewis; grandma, Alice Mae, and GG.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. on Wednesday Sept. 28, 2011, at St. Edward’s Catholic Church with Father Greg Leif officiating. There will be a 6:30 p.m. wake service on Tuesday at Mayer Funeral Home where friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. and also one hour before the service at the church on Wednesday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.