Robert E. Lee

Robert E. Lee (93) passed away peacefully on July 28, 2019 surrounded by family at home. Bob was born on October 10, 1925 in Minneapolis, MN. He was the youngest of four children born to Walter Craig Lee and Mabel Ruth Flaten. His father died when Bob was 11 years old. His mother remarried and moved to Montana, so Bob spent his teenage years being cared for by his two sisters. Bob was profoundly grateful to his sisters for keeping the siblings together, as well as to his Uncle Bill who employed Bob at his ranch near the Canadian border in Montana during summers. He graduated from the University of Minnesota, School of Forestry. He married Beryl Augusta Heideman in Duluth, MN on August 11, 1951. She preceded him in death. Bob is survived by two children, Mark C. Lee (Anne) of Wisconsin Rapids, WI and Martha Lee Mitchell (Peter) of Minnetonka, MN. He is further survived by grandchildren, Alyssa W. Lee, Wisconsin Rapids, WI, David D. Lee, Wisconsin Rapids, Edward A. Mitchell, Iron Mountain, MI and Robert L. Mitchell, Minnetonka, MN. He is further survived by one great-grandson, Oliver D. Lee of Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Bob cherished his family and was happiest when he could spend time with his children. Bob began his forestry career with Kimberly Clark and was frequently transferred offering his family a chance to live in many locations and make life-long friends. He ended his career by retiring from Champion International. Besides his work and his family, Bob had many interests. His involvement with the Boy Scouts of America stemmed from many happy memories and lessons learned as a Boy Scout. He returned the favor with his many years as a Scout Master, mentoring many boys and young men in several communities in which he lived. His other interests included woodcarving, becoming a founding member of the Woodbee Carvers. Bob’s interest in local history was exemplified by the many articles he wrote and his interest in finding a sunken railroad engine in the Hermansville, MI area. Bob was able to fix anything around his home, the last of which he built as a retirement project. He was also known for making gallons and gallons of his own recipe of chokecherry wine and many stacks of his delicious pancakes. He enjoyed his Friday Fish Fry friends and his membership in the Romeos (Retired Old Men Eat Out) group. Bob and Beryl enjoyed keeping in touch with friends all across the country. The visitation will be held at the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain on August 9, 2019 from 9:30-11:00 a.m. A memorial service will follow immediately at the funeral home with a luncheon served at Trinity United Methodist Church after the service. Condolences to the family of Robert E. Lee may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the Beryl and Robert Lee Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established. The extended Lee family expresses gratitude for all the many kindnesses extended to all of us in this time of sadness but also a time of many happy memories.

Robert E. Lee

October 10, 1925 - July 28, 2019