Obituary of John O. Lee

John O. Lee, 92, of Duluth, MN formerly from Thorp, WI, passed away in his home on June 3, 2021. He was born in Eau Claire, WI on November 10, 1928 to Albert and Clara (Nelson) Lee. He was a 1946 graduate of Thorp High School; enlisted in the US Army in 1948 serving 2 years occupation duty in Japan and the first year of the Korean conflict on the front lines being discharged in 1952 with the rank of Staff Sergeant. Upon returning to Thorp, he worked as a painter.

He married Patricia Goeldner on July 10, 1954 in Ingram, WI. They moved to Duluth in 1957 where he worked as a painter in Silver Bay and Duluth before starting a 20 year job at Nopeming Nursing Home. He then worked with General Painting and Decorating until retirement in 1995. He then became a “Snowbird” spending 25 winters in Zephyrhills, FL. He was a life member of VFW Post 137 and DAV. John was a 20 year volunteer in St. Louis County Rescue Squad. He also volunteered as a Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Explorer Scout leader for Lake Superior Council. John was active in his union serving as president of AFSCME Council 96 for many years. He enjoyed bowling, playing golf, his trips to England and Norway, trips to Alaska visiting relatives and fishing, his many trips to the Norsk Host Fest in Minot. John was very proud of his Norwegian heritage.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Lee; children, Richard (Rhonda) Lee of Florida, Gail Lee-Burgener of Duluth, Joe Lee of Superior; grandchildren, Andrew (Natalie Brewster) Lee-Burgener, Becca (Dan) Anderson, Ashley Lee, all of Duluth; bonus great-grandchildren, Tanner and Calvin Brewster of Duluth; siblings, Bernard and Glenn (Sonia) Lee of Duluth, Elaine Suda and Ed (Carol) Lee of Thorp, WI and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Ryan Lee; and son-in-law, Marty Lee-Burgener.

Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 17, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation two hours prior from 9 – 11 a.m. at the Cremation Society of Minnesota, 4100 Grand Ave., Duluth. Burial will take place at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Duluth.