Gordon Jerome Lee

Gordon "Gordy" Lee December 22, 1935- July 30, 2026 Gordon Lee passed away surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on December 22, 1935, to Judy and Gerald Lee, and lived a life filled with family, faith, hard work, adventure, traditions, and stories worth telling. Gordon was a gifted storyteller, a trait he inherited from his parents. Whether he was talking about a fishing opener, a hunting trip, a family adventure, a favorite ballgame, or a memory from years past, he had a way of bringing people into the story with him. He also loved keeping up with the world around him through his beloved WCCO Radio and the Minnesota Star Tribune. For nearly 69 years, Gordon shared his life with his beloved wife, Mary Jane. Together, they built a family that was the center of his world. He was a devoted father to Gary (Lana), David (Dagni), and Karen (Jim), and a proud grandfather to Bridget, Garett, Ryan, Spencer, Kyle, Erik, Zane, Nataliya, Karl, Tatiana, and Colin. He also delighted in his great-grandchildren: Cooper, Vera, Judson, Myra, Gordon, Silas, Wyatt, Genevieve, and Jack. Gordon and Mary Jane opened their home and hearts to nine foreign exchange students, many of whom continued to be part of his life until his passing. Those relationships reflected Gordon's generous spirit and the way he and Mary Jane created family wherever they went. Gordon had four siblings: Kenny his brother and best friend, Janice, Geraldine, and Curt. Family connections mattered deeply to him, and he carried those bonds with pride throughout his life. A lifelong sports fan, Gordon loved his Minnesota teams. Above all, he loved his Minnesota Twins and never gave up on them. He and Mary Jane enjoyed watching the University of Minnesota Women's Gophers volleyball team, and over the years he held season tickets to Minnesota Gophers football, the Timberwolves, and the Minnesota North Stars. Gordon loved the outdoors and the traditions that marked each Minnesota season. An avid hunter and fisherman, he rarely missed an opening weekend and found great joy in sharing those experiences with his sons, grandsons, and eventually the next generation on cherished four-generation fishing trips. He passed along more than skills; he shared patience, humor, respect for nature, and the joy of being together. In the winter, he loved snowmobiling and ice fishing. He also treasured the simple family rituals that filled time at the cabin, vacations, sporting trips, and holidays, especially the card games that became part of every gathering. Whether it was gin rummy, Crazy Eights with a twist, bridge, or his beloved cribbage, playing cards gave every generation a place at the table. After retiring, Gordon spent his summers at the cabin on a lake near Alexandria, Minnesota. The cabin became a place for family, fishing, laughter, and memory-making. He also loved golfing at his beloved Osakis Country Club, where he enjoyed the game, the friendships, and the stories that came with both. Gordon was well traveled and loved the adventure of new places. He enjoyed good company, a good Brandy Manhattan, and a Lite Beer. He approached life with curiosity, humor, and an appreciation for simple pleasures shared with people he loved. His faith was also an important part of his life. Gordon served for many years as a Deacon at Robbinsdale Parkway United Church of Christ, offering his time and service to a community that mattered to him. Professionally, Gordon built a career as a lithographer. He worked the presses in some of the best printing houses in Minnesota and later became co-owner of Mallard Ink, a printing ink manufacturing company. He was proud of his craft and respected for his knowledge, skill, and work ethic. When Gordon became blind from macular degeneration, he continued to live with resilience and curiosity. Through the Books for the Blind program, he became an avid book listener, enjoying more mysteries, history books, and autobiographies than most people could ever imagine. Gordon's legacy lives on in the family he loved the traditions he created, the stories he told, and the many lives he touched. He will be remembered in fishing boats and hunting blinds, at the cabin and on the golf course, around family tables, through favorite Minnesota teams, and in every story retold with love. A service was held with Gordon's immediate family was held last Sunday to celebrate him and pay tribute to his legacy. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a foundation created by Gordon and his brother Kenny: The Gerald and Judy Lee Scholarship Fund administered by the Greater Community Credit Union, 711 6th Street, P.O. Box 1002, Dawson, MN 56232, c/o John Nevins. The best stories Gordon ever told were the ones he lived.

Gordon Jerome Lee

December 22, 1935 - July 30, 2026

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