Jerry M. Lee

HOUSTON, MN - Jerry M. Lee, 82, of Houston, MN died on Monday, August 19, 2019, at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, WI., surrounded by loving family.
Jerry was born on July 11, 1937, in Spring Grove, MN to Gilbert and Molly (Anderson) Lee. Jerry went to school at the Yucatan Stone School for 8 years . He graduated from Houston High School. He served in the Army Infantry Nation Guard of MN. On May 5, 1962, he was united in marriage with Judith (Judy) Kallis at Faith Lutheran Church in Blackhammer, MN. Jerry farmed the Lee Homestead his entire life and was an independent insurance agent for over 55 years from his home-office. The Lee Homestead was settled in 1869 by his grandfather, John Lee. On August 18th, 2019, he was honored at the Houston County Fair by the State of MN in congratulations on 150 years of this homestead in the Lee name. He was feeling good, so honored and elated of this recognition.
Jerry loved his wife, his children and their spouses and the 6 grandchildren, all of extended family and numerous friends with his whole heart. He treasured his John Deere tractors: collecting and farming with only the Big John Deere tractors. For hobbies, he loved the thrill of preparing his tractor(s) and the tractor pulling. He was one who loved the outdoors, he enjoyed hunting, deer and turkey were trophy quality on his Yucatan farm land. Jerry liked to venture off to go walleye fishing, camping, snowmobiling, farm implement buying and antiquing. Jerry enjoyed socializing, helping people in any way and was always greeting and welcoming people with that smile, that warm handshake and his laugh. Most importantly, he would always offer you a bite to eat. For many years, card playing was mainly pinochle and euchre. He always seemed to know all the cards played, what opponent cards could be, and cards not played - a bit of a card shark. Jerry was an avid Green Bay Packer fan his entire life, and enjoyed playing or watching most sports. He was an active member of Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Houston and was very supportive of many Houston community activities and organizations. He was a 3rd generation farmer on his 150 year old homestead and his love of the outdoors and all aspects of farming and living in the country was enjoyed by him each and every day. His life motto was to "Live Every Day to its fullest", and he did. Jerry had an extraordinary life, so many accomplishments and loved by so many people.
Jerry is survived by three children: Kari (Mike) Odenbrett of Preston, MN, Duron (Shelly) Lee and Jon (Lisa) Lee both of Houston; six grandchildren: Vanessa, Dylan, Nathan, Rebecca, Cohl and Cameron; brother and sisters in law: Kae and Richard Townsend, and Beverly Kallis, and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and a sister, Margit Knutson.
There will a be funeral service for Jerry at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August, 24, 2019, at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Houston with the Reverend Linda McPeak officiating. Burial will be in the Stone Church Cemetery in Houston. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday at Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service in Houston, and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church.