Rodney Lee

J. Rodney Lee, 76, a life time resident of the Devils Lake area, died early Saturday morning, December 13, 2008 at the Good Samaritan Center, Devils Lake. Mass of Christian Burial for Rodney will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake with Fr. Robert Pecotte celebrating the Mass. Interment will be in the spring in the Devils Lake Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 5:30 p.m. Visitation on Thursday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass. Serving as Casket Bearers for Rodney will be Larry Nygren, Pete Hanson, Ervin Feil, John Dumont, Micky McCanna and Adam Bachmeier. Music will be provided by JoDee Lagein James Rodney Lee was born on December 11, 1932 at Devils Lake, ND the son of Raymond and Blanche (Peterson) Lee. He attended elementary grades at a country school in the Rohrville area and graduated from Central High School in Devils Lake in the class of 1949. He attended Lake Region Junior College for two years, then began farming in the Rohrville area until retiring in 1982. Rodney had a love of land and nature and worked for several area farmers for many years. He also worked for a time at Lake Region State College, Leever’s County Market and most recently was a part of the Experience Works Program and was working at the Good Samaritan Center. Rodney was united in marriage to Ilene Wagner in 1953 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake. Rodney had a very special talent when it came to small engine repair. Many people and businesses took advantage of his skills and depended on him for all their repairs. It also was a great gift for Rodney because of his love of boats, motorcycles, snowmobiles and cars. He was always able to keep his own “fleet” in top running condition. He especially loved the water, boating and water skiing. Love of the land, water, family and dear friends was so evident in Rodney’s attitude, his character and his smile. He shall be dearly missed by all those who loved him. Rodney is survived by his children: Theresa Ann Brown and her husband, Robert of Carter Lake, Iowa; Robert Lee and his wife, JoAnn of Devils Lake; Michelle Lee also of Devils Lake; Mother of their children: Ilene Lee, Devils Lake; Grandsons: Jason Lee and his wife, Heather of Brighton, South Dakota; Jeff Lee, Fargo, ND; Jesse Lee, Denver, Colorado; Jeremy Lee of Grand Forks; Great Granddaughter, Abigail Lee and Great Grandson, Aiden Lee; Sister: Sharon Schroeder of Emery, Wisconsin Several nieces, nephews and their families also survive. Rodney was preceded in death by his parents and an infant daughter, Jennifer.