Rev. Richard Lee

Reverend Richard Lee, 85, of Hubbard Lake, MI, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 9 at his home. He was born on May 22, 1933 to Harry and Louise Lee in Detroit, and was raised there.  He attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, and Luther Seminary in St. Paul.  He married Joyce Holmquist on June 8, 1957 in Minneapolis, MN. After earning his Masters of Divinity Degree, Dick served churches in Groton and Houghton, SD and in Houston, MN.  He later attended the University of Michigan where he earned a Masters Degree in Social Work. He then worked as program director for Oakdale Regional Center for Developmental Disabilities in Lapeer, MI.  While in Lapeer, he was active in the Lions Club.  After retirement, Dick continued serving churches on an interim basis.  In 1999, he and his wife moved to Hubbard Lake to live full time on property his mother had purchased and which he loved.  Dick enjoyed travelling, meeting new people, having new experiences, and bird watching.  His interest in genealogy led him and his wife to make several trips to Norway.  He was an early member of New Life Lutheran church in Spruce, MI. Dick is survived by his wife, Joyce; children, Karen (Chris) Hiser of Caro, MI, Kevin (Alison) Lee of Walled Lake, MI, Karl (Karen) Lee of Dacula, GA, and Kirsten Lee of Alpena, MI; 8 grandchildren, Lindsey, Aaron, Adam, Andrew, Alexis, Timothy, Amy, and Lydia, and 5 great grandchildren, Gabe, Payton, Ashton, Lola and Willow, as well as many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Don Lee. Dick will be remembered as a quiet, humble man who loved to converse with both friends and strangers. His unconditional love for his wife, children, and grandchildren was evident in all the ways he was active in their lives. With a good heart and strong faith, Dick provided words of encouragement that brought out the best in people.  His words erased doubts and inspired success.  According to his children, Dick would say that his death should not make them sad but that they should take comfort in each other and in loving memories of the experiences they shared.  His life was a life well lived! Cremation arrangements were made through Gillies Funeral Home, Lincoln.  Visitation will be on Saturday, August 18, from 10:00AM until the Memorial Service at 11:00AM at New Life Lutheran Church, Spruce, MI.  Rev. Christina Bright will officiate.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a gift to either New Life Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Rev. Richard Lee, please visit our flower store.