Richard F. Lee

FITCHBURG- Richard F. “Dick” Lee, passed away from complications due to a stroke on Wednesday, June 21, 2017.  He was born on Nov. 19, 1941, in Richland Center, to Clarence A. and Vivian C. Lee. Dick graduated from Madison East High School in 1959, and the University of Wisconsin, Platteville in 1964.  He married Judy Jordan in Madison, on July 9, 1966, and together they had two children, Jeff and Jenny. Dick owned and operated ABC Builders for the past 50 years and was proud to say that during that time he built over 2,500 homes.  As a teenager, Dick was a member of the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps and enjoyed performing with the Corps in nearly every state.  He served in the Air National Guard during the 60’s and into the early 70’s. The need to help people continued as he served on the Fitchburg Fire Department for 14 years. Dick belonged to The Madison Masonic Lodge No. 5 F. & A.M., the Scottish Rite and Zor Shrine. He enjoyed serving on the Foundation Board at the University of Wisconsin, Platteville for nine years. Dick was an avid downhill skier and cherished the time spent with family and friends at Slopeside on Big Powderhorn Mountain in the upper peninsula of Michigan, where he proudly taught his grandchildren to ski.  Dick combined his passion for skiing and volunteering as a member of the National Ski Patrol at Devils Head for over 25 years.  He was a proud member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the American Legion Post No. 151.   Dick and Judy belonged to The Four Lakes Yacht Club and enjoyed their annual boating trips on the Mississippi River with friends.  Dick was most proud of being a Charter Director and one of the originators of Monona State Bank, now Monona Bank, where he served on the Board of Directors from the beginning. He enjoyed riding his Harley and rarely missed a Badger football home game.  Dick loved spending time at the Double-D farm in Richland County where he proudly taught his grandchildren to hunt.  As a true fisherman, for decades, Dick made annual fishing trips to Canada with his son and buddies.  But his greatest joy, came from his family!  Every moment spent with them are now special memories.  Dick is survived by his wife, Judy; son, Jeff (Melanie) Lee of Madison and their children, Maggie and John-Henry; daughter, Jenny (Troy) Simonar of De Pere and their children, Matt and Jon.  He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Bud and Marie Jordan; step-father, Fred Thomas; and his canine companion, Gretta.  Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 11 a.m., on Wednesday, June 28, 2017 with Rev. Jeff Meyer presiding.  A luncheon will follow the burial at EAST SIDE CLUB, 3735 Monona Dr., Madison. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Tuesday, June 27, 2017, and also from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday.   Memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI  53711. Online condolences may be made at gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Dr., Madison 608-221-5420