Norbert Wenzel Lee

Norbert W. Lee, 78, of Stratford passed away peacefully on January 3, 2022 at the House of the Dove in Marshfield.

Norbert was born May 11, 1943, in Chili and grew up on a dairy farm. He graduated from Granton High School in 1961. After graduation, he attended a two-year farm short course from the University of Madison.

Norbert was drafted in the Army in 1967. He was trained in Fort Lewis, Washington where he tested top of his class in mechanics. Norbert then went to Vietnam where he repaired helicopter motor blades. Norbert finished his service as an E5, also earning a Sharpshooter and a Vietnam citation.

Following his military service, Norbert worked in the furnace and boiler business. Norbert was employed at House of Heating, Marshfield, for over twenty years. From House of Heating, he went to work for Central Burner and Boiler, Marshfield, retiring in 2008.

After retirement, Norbert became a life member of the VFW Post 6352 in Stratford. He became very active in the VFW. Norbert held offices of adjutant, Quartermaster,  and Post Commander at the local post. He was very active with the post in the Honor Guard and participated in many funerals. Norbert then took the 7th District of Wisconsin Commander position. During his term as the 7th District Commander, Norbert had the distinction of visiting every post in the 7th District. After finishing his 7th District Commander Post, Norbert took the position as the Wisconsin VFW State Inspector in 2015. Norbert held this position until 2021 when he declined reappointment due to health concerns.

Norbert loved to camp and fish, and spent more time at it in retirement. He always looked forward each year to the two-week fish camp on the Mississippi River with friends. Norbert also spent time watching his grandchildren play their sports. He loved when the house was full of children and grandchildren.  In recent years, Norbert enjoyed his daily interactions with Benji, his three-year-old Border Collie.

Norbert is survived by his wife, Janice (Laessig) of Stratford; his three step-children Jennifer (Derek) Berquist, Brandenton, FL; Ronald Keding, Jr, Pittsville; Amy (Paul) Skattebo, Shell Lake; his five grandchildren, Zachary and Lindsay Keding, Cassie, Caitlyn, and Candace Skattebo. He is also survived by one brother, Eldon (Rosemary) Lee of Indigo, CA. and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins in the Central Wisconsin area.  Norbert is also survived by many good friends of his VFW family of veteran comrades.

Norbert was preceded in death by his parents, Wenzel and Adeline (Foemmel) Lee; siblings Roger Lee and Kathryn Edlund.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Stratford VFW Post 6352 Scholarship Fund or to the Marshfield House of the Dove. 

A celebration of Norbert's life will be held on Friday, January 7, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. at the Stratford VFW Post 6352, followed by military honors conducted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6352 of Stratford. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of Norbert's Life Celebration at the Club House.

Norbert will be interred at the Northern Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, Wisconsin at a later date.

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