Memorial

Joseph Frank Lee, 91, passed away peacefully on Saturday June 13, 2026, at the Iowa Veterans Home, where he had resided since 2018. Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home is in Charge of the arrangements.

Joe was born June 27, 1934, in Cashton, Wisconsin, to Burton Joseph Lee and Adelle Elizabeth (Frank) Lee. Raised in a close-knit family and grounded in a strong Christian faith, Joe grew up attending Trinity Lutheran Church in his hometown of Cashton, Wisconsin. There he witnessed what Christian service was all about as his father served as a Sunday school superintendent for many years. Joe graduated from Cashton High School in 1952 and worked in the family hardware store before attending University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Joe enlisted in the United States Army in 1954 and served in Korea as a personnel specialist at a replacement depot responsible for interviewing and placing soldiers who arrived and departed from the region as well as many administrative duties. Joe was fiercely patriotic and loved his country. Following his military service, Joe attended Luther College on the GI Bill, graduating in 1958.

Joe moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa after college. There, he met the love of his life, Carol Moore, at a young couple’s group at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. They married in May 1960 and were blessed with two children, Dana and David. Joe was a devoted father who encouraged his children to be the best they could be.

Joe spent 39 years with Wilson Foods, rising from an entry-level position to a department head through hard work, dedication, and strong leadership. He was highly respected for his ability to adapt to changes in the industry by leading with positivity. 

After Carol’s death in 1993, Joe married Ann Ketelsen in 1995. She was the devoted mother to four children who came to love Joe as their father, even as adults. 

Joe remained devoted to his faith, family, and friends throughout his life. He was an enthusiastic fan of the Green Bay Packers and the Iowa Hawkeyes and loved to talk sports. Football season was his favorite season of all.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Carol (Moore) Lee; and his wife, Ann (Ketelsen) Lee.

He is survived by his daughter, Dana (David) Hagstrom; his son, David (Julie) Lee; his sister, Kären Louise Lee Warmack; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; Ann’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and many cherished relatives and friends.

Joe will be remembered for his unwavering faith, strong work ethic, devotion to family, pride in his country, uncanny memory of events and details most have forgotten, and genuine kindness. His life was a blessing to all who knew him, and his memory will be treasured always.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Faith Life Lutheran Church or Iowa Veterans Home-4th Floor Dack.

The funeral will be held at Faith Life Lutheran in Cedar Rapids, Iowa at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, with visitation held at the church one hour before.