Obituaries : Alfred R. Lee

Alfred R. Lee, 89, of Brandon, IA formerly of Otterville, IA died on Sunday August 2, 2020 at his home in Brandon, IA.

Al was born on July 7, 1931 in Elk City, Kansas the son of Rueben M. and Anna L. (James) Lee. He attended the Elk City Schools and went into the United States Army in 1948. He served with pride and was awarded the Purple Heart for being wounded during the Korean War. When he returned home in 1952, he met the love of his life; Fern Viola Leuhmann, and they were married on February 28, 1953 in Winona, MN. They made their home in Lewiston, MN, where Al worked on a farm and for the Interstate Beverage Co. for a short time. In 1959 they moved to Woodridge, IL, Al worked as a Heavy Equipment Operator for the Fondell Company and was the Fire Chief of the Woodridge Volunteer Fire Department. Al and Fern missed farming and in 1972 they purchased a farm north of Lamont, IA. They both loved taking care of their land, raising their children with the same strong work ethic that was part of Al's everyday life. He continued to work in construction throughout Iowa for many years. They moved to Otterville, IA in 1984, and Al continued working and taking care of his horses and his wagons.

He was known for his work ethic and was always reliable in everything he did. Al spent many hours volunteering his horses and wagon to many different town celebrations parades, and private family celebrations. He has been honored by the Iowa Governor with the Volunteer Award for outstanding service and from the Mental Health Institute in Independence for his many hours of volunteering.

Al is survived by his wife of 67 years, Fern Lee, Brandon, IA, daughter, Laura Lee, Brandon, IA, two sons Leslie (Jamie Mason) Lee, Otterville, IA, and Lorne (Debra) Lee, Independence, IA, daughter-in-law, Charli Lee, Independence, IA, ten grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a son, Ron Earl Lee, two sisters, Edith Lee and Emma Lee, and a brother, Martin Lee.

A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, August 6, 2020, with Rev. Robert Solon officiating, at the Reiff Family Center Funeral Home & Crematory in Independence, IA. Burial will be held at Floral Hills Memorial Garden in Hazelton, IA. Visitation will be from 4 PM until 7 PM on Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at the Reiff Family Center.

In lieu of flowers send memorials to Lamont American Legion, 610 Bush St., Lamont, Iowa 50650 or Independence VFW, 128 3rd Ave NE, Independence, Iowa 50644.

Social distancing and facemasks will be encouraged when attending the visitation and funeral service.