Lee Schlough, age 75, of Prior Lake entered eternal peace on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at the NC Little Hospice in Edina, MN after a valiant battle with prostate cancer.
A time of gathering will be on Monday, March 18, from 4-7 pm , at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake and one hour prior to the Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, March 19 at 11 am, at St, Michael Catholic Church 16400 Duluth Avenue SE, Prior Lake . Father Tom Walker will preside. U rn bearers will be members of Lee’s family, Jim, Dick, Don, Paul and Tom. He will be laid to rest at St. Michael Catholic Cemetery, with military honors provided by the Prior Lake VFW Honor Guard.
Welsey Edmund Schlough Jr . was born to parents, Wesle y and Harriet (Greenwood) , on May 31, 1943 , in Chicago, Illinois . M ost of his childhood was spent growing up in St Cloud , MN , with his 12 younger siblings. Lee a ttended Cathedral High School and was a proud graduate of the class of 1961. He briefly atten ded the University of Minnesota before enlisting in the United States Navy. For the next six years, Lee was a pilot during the Vietnam War . Through networking, he took his experience and expertise and be c ame a pilot for Northwest Airlines . For nearly 40 years, Lee traveled the world as a pilot . At the age of 60, he retired his wings .
Through mutual friends, Lee was introduced to a beautiful young gal named, Joanne Eissing . She was immediately drawn to his good looks and kindness . They dated for a few years before marrying on October 5, 1968, at the Basilica of St. Mary’s in Minneapolis . They established a home in Lakeville, MN , where they were blessed with a wonderful son named Bryann. In 1976, the family moved to Prior Lake, where they have called this community home. As a family, they enjoyed traveling . The best times for Lee was being home surrounded by his family. When time allowed , Lee loved to attend Indian Guide gatherings and Bryann’s various sporting events . Life became the riches t when he became p oppy to Novi and Olly. Lee and Joanne loved to spoil them any opportunity they had.
For over 40 years, Lee assisted his family preparing and serving customers at the Family Tree Café, during the Minnesota State Fair . It didn’t matter your age or relationship, e veryone in the family was involved ! In the 1980’s , Lee took an interest in running. He participated for 13 con se cutive years in Grandma’s Marathon , along with the neighbor hood crew . This event became a special gathering each year fo r the neighbors as they cheered the runners on .
Lee and Joanne purchased a home at the Highland Woods Community in Bonita Springs, FL. For over 20 years, they creat ed many lasting friendships. Lee helped initiate the Bocce Leagu e , enjoyed socializing and played golf . He took his love of golf into customizing and rep airing clubs for anyone who asked. He also studied their swing to perfect their game and give the golfer the best fit . Lee was very generous with his time and other’s projects , it didn’t matter the task. Committed , and a perfectionist , he was all about the process rather than the end result.
Dedicated to his faith, Lee was involved at St Michael’s Church . He was a great man displaying g en erosity, kindness and love to others. Lee will be forever loved and missed by his wife of 50 years, Joanne; son, Bryann (Lisa Ed ger ly) Schlough ; grandchildren, Novia Schlough , Olly Schlough ; siblings, Jim Schlough , Dick (Rebecca) Schlough , Mary (David) Huber, Judy (John) Stadden , Don (Theresa) Schlough , Mar garet Schlough , Barbara Fritz, Paul (Jamie) Schlough , Patty Schlough , Terri Braun, Joy (Brian) Lang; aunt, Carole Freeman; many other relatives and friends.
Lee is welcomed home by parents, Wes and Harriet; brother, Mark Schlough and sister-in-law, Sharon Schlough .
Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation proudly served and cared for the Schlough family.
