Jonathan R. Lee, 80, of Jordan, passed peacefully at home on August 23, 2017, surrounded by his family. He was born on August 14, 1937 in Austin, Minnesota, to Lawrence and Clara (Rask) Lee.
Jon graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1960. During the early years of Jon’s career, he was a principal with Padilla & Speer Inc., a Twin Cities public relations firm. Followed by being the Director of Public Relations, Promotion, and Advertising at Brown & Bigalow. He was the Founder and President of Butler, Howell and Lee Brokerage firm specializing in stocks and precious metals.
In 1978, he started Lease Management Corporation, which included owning and operating the Jordan Hardware store for many years. From 1991 until retirement, Jon was a self-employed real estate broker and property manager of family-owned properties.
Jon’s true passion was to serve his community. Through the years, Jon chaired and served on the boards of both the St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Shakopee and the Benedictine Health System in Duluth. He also served 12 years as a member of the Jordan School Board, the last three years as Chair, Jon was a member of the Governing Board of the Carver-Scott Area Learning Center in Chaska, a member of The Bloomington Lions, and Chaska Rotary Clubs. He was a founding member and previous office holder at Hope Lutheran Church in Jordan.
A deeply loved husband and father, Jon is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Sally Lee; four children: Betsy (Stephen Bogdewic) Lee, Jeffrey (Myra) Lee, Barbara (Peter) Kochlin, and Bruce Lee; and four grandchildren: Stephanie Bogdewic, Allison Lee, Spencer Lee, and Jack Wiese.
In addition to his parents, Jon is preceded in death by both of his siblings, David Lee and Ruth Anderson.
The family will hold a private service. In lieu of flowers and in honor of Jon’s service to the St. Francis Regional Medical Center Board, contributions in his memory may be directed to the Saints Healthcare Funds, 1455 St. Francis Avenue, Shakopee, MN 55379.
Online condolences may be shared at www.ballardsunderfuneral.com/obituaries/.
