Richard
Lee
VISITATION & FUNERAL
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
at
St. Stephen Catholic Church
1441 W. Oakwood Road
Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Visitation: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Funeral Mass: 11:00 AM
Richard R. Lee
It is with sadness we announce the passing of Richard Lee who died peacefully at home on August 2, 2026, at the age of 93. Leaving behind a lifetime of love, faith, hard work, and devotion to his family.
Richard shared 72 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Kathleen, who preceded him in death this past April. After a lifetime together, he deeply missed her, and those who loved them both find comfort in knowing they are reunited.
Richard was the beloved father of seven children, grandfather of eleven, and great-grandfather of nineteen. His family was his greatest pride, and the values he instilled will continue through the generations that follow.
A lifelong member of St. Stephen’s Parish, Richard’s faith was a guiding force throughout his life. He was known for his quiet dedication, humility, and unwavering commitment to those he loved.
He began working at a young age alongside his father on the mink farm followed by service in the US Army. Richard retired as a general foreman from Ladish. He joked that he only took the job so he could earn enough money to buy Kathleen’s engagement ring. What began as a means to start their life together turned into a remarkable 41-year career. In their early years of marriage, Richard and Kathleen had hoped to buy a home, instead Richard veered direction and used their savings to purchase a car. Through hard work, perseverance, and partnership, they eventually achieved that dream and created a home filled with love and laughter.
There was nothing in home renovation that he and Kathleen could not accomplish. He was an avid golfer and proud member of the Ladish Fatmans Club. Together they enjoyed traveling with family and friends, most especially their snowbird years to Orange Beach, Alabama.
Richard will be remembered for his strength, kindness, steady presence, and enduring love. His life was one of faith, commitment, and selfless devotion to his family. His greatest legacy lives on in the generations of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who were blessed to know his love, wisdom, and example.
Richard was the loving father of Sue (the late Bruce) Pendzich, Pam (David) Kostowicz, Tom (Karen) Lee, Cheryl (the late Tom Downs), Jim, Mary Kay and Linda (Scott Uhlman). Proud grandfather of Mark (Kara) Pendzich, Nicole (David) Uttke, Joanne (Jeff) Volm, Katie (Matt) Levine, Tom (Heather) Lee, Carrie Lee, Samantha (Patrick) Donoghue, Elizabeth (Miles) Hibbs, Michael Pendzich, Stephanie Kostowicz and Joshua (Nicole Haefner) Downs. Great-grandfather of Bryce, Blake, David, Zackery, Matthew, Haley, Morgan, Layla, Tristan, Adelaide, Alexandra, Colton, Jaxson, Louise, Theodore, Kathryn, Milo, Maks and Emmalee. He is further survived by nieces, nephews and life-long friends.
Richard is preceded in death by his parents: Allan and Agnes Lee (Steil), mother and father in-law, Norbert and Verna Hetzel (Brickler); brother David (the late Carol) Lee, sister Patricia (the late William Jelinski). Brother-in-law, Eugene (Ione) Hetzel and Ralph (the late Dolly) Hetzel.
Special thanks to Caring Hearts and Hands KWS LLC and caregivers Kristin, Sandy, Alana and Kelly.
My condolences to the family. Sending my love, hugs and prayers to all.
I recall the years we lived in Milwaukee; how we would always go visit Uncles Dick and David and their families. I will always treasure those times as my best memories. Uncle Dick always had that presence of strength and resolve while humble that resonates with me and something I aspired to be as a young man. He will be missed..
My condolences to the Family of Richard and Kathleen Lee. I remember the first time my father Bill Jelinski and my future mother Patricia Sipes and at the time soon to be Patricia A. Jelinski) met with the Lee Family at Dick and Kathleenn home with all their kids. It was the first time I had ever seen a outdoor pool in anyone’s back yard. There were 2 boys and then there were all these girls! Needless to say, the Lee Family had warm greetings for us all. I also remember of Dick and Kathleens home my 1st wife Donna and I were given a place to stay for our first place as (husband and wife) to stay overnight in the Milwaukee area before we booked a room for the rest of our stay. in the Milwaukee area. I can’t just say Uncle Dick, I have to say Aunt Kathleen. They were like the “Dynamic Duo” It was always Dick and Kathleen! They both will be so greatly missed, they are back together in God’s Country. Love to all.