DEERFIELD - Erik Lucas Lee, age 52, beloved father, husband, son, friend, and police officer, passed away suddenly on Monday, January 13, 2025. Erik was born on July 9, 1972, in Fairfield, Calif., to Gordon Lee and Alicia Gomez-Lee.

Erik was bilingual from a young age, thanks to his mother’s native Spanish roots and spending summers in northern Spain with extended family. He was a talented child who became a skilled pianist, perfecting works by Beethoven and Mozart.

Erik graduated from Edgewood High School and, later, from MATC with a degree in Fire Safety. He became an officer with the City of Madison Police Department in May of 2001. Erik served in excess of two decades, including time in patrol, Crash Investigation, Training, the Traffic Enforcement and Safety Team Motor unit, and was recently promoted to detective. He was serving in the Burglary Crime Unit and trained for the Arson Unit at the time of his passing. Erik was a master instructor for firearms and EVOC and was an armorer on multiple firearms platforms. Outside of law enforcement, Erik taught motorcycle safety classes at Madison College and worked at Deerfield Pistol and Archery Center.

Erik could hammer out a metal guitar solo or pick up a classical and play “Spanish Romance” without a second thought. His interests and abilities could fill pages.

Erik was a beloved father and immensely proud of his sons, Devon and Gabriel. He sincerely loved every band and sporting event, even into college. His close bond with his boys never wavered and is something he held most dear.

Erik and Wendy married in Copper Harbor, Mich., on September 17, 2008. From early on, they made each other laugh, loved good food, and shared a soft spot for animals. Erik became a reluctant part-time wildlife rehab assistant and happy “cat dad” to share in Wendy’s passions. They enjoyed time at concerts and events like Summerfest but also loved their getaways to the shores of Lake Superior each year.

Erik’s kindness, compassion, and relentless sense of humor will hold him in our hearts forever. He was truly one-of-a-kind, and we will never forget him.

Erik was predeceased by his mother, Alicia; and grandparents.

A funeral service will be held at DOOR CREEK CHURCH, 6602 Dominion Drive, Madison, at 1 p.m. on Friday, January 24, 2025. A visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for Lee’s children’s future needs. Donations can be made at any Summit Credit Union to the Detective Erik Lee Memorial Fund or via PayPal @DetLeeMemorialFund. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Erik Lee

July 09, 1972 - January 13, 2025

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