Joseph Frank Lee, 91, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2026, at the Iowa Veteran’s Home, where he had resided since 2018.
Joe was born June 27, 1934, in Cashton, Wisconsin, to Burton Joseph Lee and Adelle Elizabeth (Frank) Lee. Raised in a close-knit family and grounded in a strong Christian faith, Joe attended Trinity Lutheran Church in Cashton, witnessing what Christian service meant as his father served as a Sunday school superintendent for years. Joe graduated from Cashton High School in 1952 and worked in the family hardware store before attending University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Joe enlisted in the Army in 1954 and served in Korea as a personnel specialist at a replacement depot responsible for interviewing and placing soldiers. Joe was fiercely patriotic and loved his country. Following his military service, Joe attended Luther College on the GI Bill, graduating in 1958.
Joe moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa after college. There, he met the love of his life, Carol Moore, at a young couple’s group at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. They married in May 1960 and were blessed with two children, Dana and David. Joe was a devoted father who encouraged his children to be the best they could be.
Joe spent 39 years with Wilson Foods, rising from entry-level positions to department head through dedication, and strong leadership. He was respected for his ability to adapt to changes in the industry by leading with positivity.
After Carol’s death in 1993, Joe married Ann Ketelsen in 1995. She was the devoted mother to four children who came to love Joe as their father, even as adults.
Joe remained devoted to his faith, family, and friends throughout his life. He was an enthusiastic fan of the Green Bay Packers and the Iowa Hawkeyes and loved to talk sports. Football season was his favorite season of all.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his wives, Carol and Ann.
He is survived by his daughter, Dana (David) Hagstrom; his son, David (Julie) Lee; his sister, Kären Louise Lee Warmack; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; Ann’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and many cherished relatives and friends.
Joe will be remembered for his unwavering faith, strong work ethic, devotion to family, pride in his country, uncanny memory of events and details most have forgotten, and genuine kindness. His life was a blessing to all who knew him, and his memory will be treasured always.
Memorials may be directed to Faith Life Lutheran Church (8300 C Ave NE, Marion, IA 52302) or Iowa Veterans Home-4th Floor Dack (1301 Summit St, Marshalltown IA 50158)
