Lee passed away on May 27, 2026 in Appleton, WI at the age of 92 of natural causes. Lee was born on July 23, 1933 in Delta County Michigan as the first child of August Leroy (Babe) Larson, Jr. and Verna Ann (Edberg) Larson.

Lee spent his childhood in Rock, Michigan.  Growing up Lee excelled in the sports of baseball and basketball, attended the American Legion Boys State in 1950 and graduated from Rock High School in 1951. While living at home in Rock, he worked peeling cedar fence posts, making cheese in a local dairy, and selling Christmas trees; bringing them from Rock to Chicago.

After graduating, Lee worked for American Bridge Company on the original construction on the Mackinac Bridge on the south tower as a wire puller. After the Mackinac Bridge was completed, Lee went on to work for the State of Michigan in the Department of Transportation.  He retired in 1984 as Supervisor of Roadside Forestry in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  He spent much of his time building and maintaining road side parks in Upper Michigan for over 32 years.

During retirement, he worked several part-time jobs for local businesses in the Iron Mountain area and spent many days cutting timber to plane into lumber along with selling (and giving away) firewood to many local residents.

While working on the Mackinac Bridge he met and married Shirley Ann Fogelsonger, the daughter of Leo Herbert and Florence Louise (Tamlyn) Fogelsonger on June 2, 1956 in St. Ignace, MI.  After marrying, Lee and Shirley relocated to Kingsford, MI in 1958.

Lee had many interests.  He spent many hours restoring an antique pickup truck along with making furniture and other wood projects.  He enjoyed snowmobiling, boating and fishing at his cabin at Garth Point on the Stonington Peninsula in Rapid River, MI.  As a longtime member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Iron Mountain, MI, he was an usher and a member of the church council; a board member of the United Sportsman's Club, Lee was a life-long member of the St. Ignace Masonic Lodge and a local member of the Ahmed Shrine Temple. Lee particularly enjoyed preparing for the Shrine Circus as it toured through Iron Mountain on one of its stops through the U.P.  His fundraising efforts were very important to him as it focused heavily on fellowship, fun, and the philanthropy to the Shriners Children's hospitals.  He and Shirley also hosted many summer backyard parties around their swimming pool…some even attended by local law enforcement.

Lee also enjoyed traveling.  Among some of his noted travels were Finland, Sweden, Estonia, Florida, California, Texas and Hawaii.

As Lee and Shirley aged, they moved to Appleton in 2019 to reside at Eagle Point Senior Living Facility where he continued to do wood carving and creating wood baskets.

Lee is survived by his wife, Shirley and his children, Brenda (Steve) Smongeski of Appleton, Richard (Suzanne) Larson, of Iron Mountain, and Michael (Mary Lynn) Larson of Appleton; grandchildren: Katie (Matt) Loecken, Bill Griggs, Alex and Matthew Larson; great-grandchildren: Amelia and Audrey Loecken.

Preceding Lee in death were his parents and a brother Steven.

Per Lee's request, no formal funeral service will be held.  Lee will be laid to rest at Gardens of Rest in Wells, MI in a private service.