Robert C. Lee

Mason City Robert C. Lee, 83, of 341 22nd St. S.W., died Monday, July 11, 2011 at his home, with his family by his side. Graveside services will be held 11:00 A.M. Friday, July 15, 2011 at Elmwood St. Joseph Cemetery with the Rev. Steve Hansen of Wesley United Methodist Church officiating. Veterans honors will be performed by the Mason City Veterans Memorial Association. Upon Roberts wishes he was cremated and there will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Robert C. Lee memorial fund in care of the family. Robert was born November 10, 1927 in Mason City, IA, the son of William and Mary (Cole) Lee. Bob attended Mason City schools but left at age 17 to join his older brother Bill in the Navy, where he fought in WWII. He served in Manchuria, Okanawa, Palau and Japan. He returned to Mason City where he completed his High School Diploma and attended Mason City Junior College. He was then employed for 38 years at Northwestern States Portland Cement Company as a Lab Technician where he performed quality control operations. He also worked many years as a security guard for Pinkerton at Libby Owens Glass and Lehigh Cement Co.. He married Helen L. Garth on October 22, 1950. They were married 60 years until Helen passed away in 2010. They had 6 children together and adopted 1 child. They also had many foster children. Robert was a wonderful husband and father and enjoyed spending time with his family. He also enjoyed nature, camping, fishing, gardening, and working on his lawn, reading and long walks. He was a long-time member of the VFW and the Masonic Lodge. He loved children and was always the house in the neighborhood that kids would go to for candy and popsicles. Robert was also a great friend and neighbor and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his five children; Janice (Lee) Wolters and husband Terry of Mason City, Nancy (Lee) Wilder and husband John of Mason City, Mary (Lee) Anderson and husband Mike of Clear Lake, Jon Lee and wife Stacy of Mason City, and Cindy Lee of Mason City; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren. Robert was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; brother, William Lee of Webster City, IA; sisters, Betty Harris and Crettia Hericks of Mason City; his wife, Helen Lee; and daughters, Cathy Lee and Joanie Lee.

Memorials:
In Lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Robert C. Lee memorial fund in care of the family.

Service:
Graveside services will be held 11:00 A.M. Friday, July 15, 2011 at Elmwood St. Joseph Cemetery with the Rev. Steve Hansen of Wesley United Methodist Church officiating. Veterans honors will be performed by the Mason City Veterans Memorial Association.