1932
Donald
2010
Donald Lee
August 25, 1932 — April 10, 2010
Age 77 of Fridley,on April 10, 2010. Don was the 8th of 8 sons born to Peter and Selma Lee on August 25, 1932 in Minneapolis, MN. He grew up in North East Minneapolis and in 1951 he joined the Army where he was stationed at Fort Rucker, Alabama, until he was Honorably Discharged in 1952.
He met his future wife, Shirley in 1952, and he moved to California with Shirley and her parents. They were married in California in January, 1954. Over the next 18 years they bought a house, established careers, and a family with daughter Donna, and four years later, with son, Michael. He worked for Virtue Brothers for a while, and then went to work for Helena Rubinstein cosmetics as a warehouseman until it closed in 1972. During those years, he worked part time security and as a gas station attendant (back when they pumped your gas and checked the tires, oil and washed your windows, too!). He'd have some interesting story about what happened at work, you wondered if he wasn't doing it for the fun. He also went to school nights to continue his education. After Helena Rubinstein closed, he moved the family back to Minnesota. There he worked at LaMaur Hair care in Fridley (which was later sold to Dow Brands) until he retired as a Warehouse Manager in 1996. He enjoyed many activities such as camping, hunting, fishing, biking, and traveling... or just plain hanging out in the backyard or a relatives cabin.
Most of his travels usually ended up with an amusing story associated with it, like the time he and some neighbor guys tried 'Moonlight tubing in the snow ' or the camping trip near El Toro Marine base that was interrupted by a well known biker gang.
After retirement, Shirley and Don took many trips to Arizona, New Mexico, Oregon, Great Lakes area, Niagara Falls/Canada, and Gatlinburg, Smokey Mountains, Nashville/Grand Ole Opry and Branson, MO to name a few.
He loved the Grand Ole Opry, country music (classic, not new), all kids and animals.. and was particularly fond of Bonanza, Gunsmoke and John Wayne movies, and making people laugh. Preceded in death by his parents & 6 brothers. Survived by his wife Shirley; daughter Donna Lee & son Michael (Kathy) Lee; 2 grandchildren Nicole (Mike) & Erik; brother William Lee. Many other relatives & friends. Celebration of Life 11 am Friday at Waite Park Wesleyan Church, 1510 33rd Ave. NE, Minneapolis. Visitation Thursday from 5 to 8 pm in the Miller Funeral Home, 6210 Hwy 65 NE, Fridley. & 1 hour prior to service at church.
He met his future wife, Shirley in 1952, and he moved to California with Shirley and her parents. They were married in California in January, 1954. Over the next 18 years they bought a house, established careers, and a family with daughter Donna, and four years later, with son, Michael. He worked for Virtue Brothers for a while, and then went to work for Helena Rubinstein cosmetics as a warehouseman until it closed in 1972. During those years, he worked part time security and as a gas station attendant (back when they pumped your gas and checked the tires, oil and washed your windows, too!). He'd have some interesting story about what happened at work, you wondered if he wasn't doing it for the fun. He also went to school nights to continue his education. After Helena Rubinstein closed, he moved the family back to Minnesota. There he worked at LaMaur Hair care in Fridley (which was later sold to Dow Brands) until he retired as a Warehouse Manager in 1996. He enjoyed many activities such as camping, hunting, fishing, biking, and traveling... or just plain hanging out in the backyard or a relatives cabin.
Most of his travels usually ended up with an amusing story associated with it, like the time he and some neighbor guys tried 'Moonlight tubing in the snow ' or the camping trip near El Toro Marine base that was interrupted by a well known biker gang.
After retirement, Shirley and Don took many trips to Arizona, New Mexico, Oregon, Great Lakes area, Niagara Falls/Canada, and Gatlinburg, Smokey Mountains, Nashville/Grand Ole Opry and Branson, MO to name a few.
He loved the Grand Ole Opry, country music (classic, not new), all kids and animals.. and was particularly fond of Bonanza, Gunsmoke and John Wayne movies, and making people laugh. Preceded in death by his parents & 6 brothers. Survived by his wife Shirley; daughter Donna Lee & son Michael (Kathy) Lee; 2 grandchildren Nicole (Mike) & Erik; brother William Lee. Many other relatives & friends. Celebration of Life 11 am Friday at Waite Park Wesleyan Church, 1510 33rd Ave. NE, Minneapolis. Visitation Thursday from 5 to 8 pm in the Miller Funeral Home, 6210 Hwy 65 NE, Fridley. & 1 hour prior to service at church.
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