Donald J. Lee, 81, Hayfield
Donald J. Lee, 81, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family. Don was born to Ruby and Jerold Lee on January 29th, 1942, in Kasson, MN and was raised in Hayfield, MN with his 5 siblings. Growing up, Don attended country school and worked on his dad’s farm. It was there that he showed some of his hard work and perseverance when he won his battle with polio.
As a young man, Don married Mary Lou Giesler and together they had 2 boys, Ricky and Brad. After her passing in 1969, Don married Judy Holmberg on February 19th, 1972, and together they also had 2 boys, Judd and Garth and 1 daughter, Jaculine, who died at birth.
Don spent many years working for Remco in Hayfield, MN until 1978 and from there worked at Century Plastics where he retired from in 2001.
Don was the life of the party and always looked forward to his frequent trips to Treasure Island and Diamond Jo’s Casino. As a man of few words at times, Don loved big, and was loved even bigger. His contagious laugh, hard work and perseverance and words of wisdom (most of it being good) are among the long list of things he will forever be remembered for.
Left to cherish his memory are his boys, Ricky (Randi) Lee, Brad (Laurie) Lee, Judd Holmberg and Garth Lee. 14 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and his brother, Erling Lee.
Welcoming Don into heaven are his wives, Judy Lee and Mary Lou. His parents, 6 siblings and his infant daughter, Jaculine.
Don touched many lives and will be deeply missed by his family and friends. The family would especially like to thank Mayo Clinic Hospice staff for their help and support over the last several weeks.
Visitation will be 5:00 – 7:00 pm Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, 501 2nd Street NW in Hayfield. The funeral service will be 2:00 pm Thursday, March 2, 2023, at the funeral home with visitation on hour before the service. Inurnment will be at Riverside Cemetery at a later date.
The family is hosting another celebration of life for Don on Saturday March 18th, 2023, at the American Legion in Dodge Center from 1:00-4:00 pm, food and cake will be provided.
To share a special memory or condolence please, visit: www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com. Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes ~ 501 2nd Street NW ~ Hayfield, Minnesota. Blessed be his memory.