He married Alice Olson in 1944; they later divorced. He married Jean C. Simonson, February 14, 1976; she preceded him in death.
He was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Ellendale, a 70-year member of the American Legion and also a member of the VFW and the Eagles Club.
Lee enjoyed dancing, traveling, especially to California and Colorado, gardening, working on small motors and going to the casino. He wine, grape and cherry were among his specialties, which he took to the Steele County Fair for competition.
He was honored by the invitation to participate in the “Honor Flight” on April 11, 2015.
Lee is survived by his daughter Connie Johnson of New Richland; grandchildren: Sarah (Michael) Lindstrom of Blaine, MN and Shawn (Jessica) Johnson of Kasson, MN; extended family: son Vernon (Jeanne) Simonson, daughter Lori Simonson (Randy Graves); sons-in-law Ed Eisel, LeRoy Peterson; grandchildren: Dana Simonson, Crystal (Eric) Luxmore, Amber (Adam) Benson, Trevor (Jamie) Titus, Tyler (Shara) Titus, Carly Titus, Ronda (John) Stackpole, Tara (Jeff) Johnston, Eric Eisel, Kevin (Diane) Peterson, Darin (Sue) Peterson; great grandchildren: Alexa and Carson Luxmore, Ayden and Aubri Benson,Carter, Abbey and Levi Titus, Kylie, Kesi and Tony Titus, Kyle and Kaytlin Stackpole, Hallie Johnston, Danielle, Jessica, Nicole, Jacob and Skylar Peterson and many niece and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Jean, son Larry Johnson, daughters Boni Eisel and Gladys Peterson, grandson Jamie Peterson; brother Edgar Johnson and his wife Emma, sister Viola and her husband Raymond Nelson, brother Woodrow “Bob” Johnson and his wife Veola, sister Ellen and her husband Jay Grunwald, brother George Johnson and his wife LaVonne.
Lee loved to visit and bring people together. His always sunny disposition had a very positive and inspirational impact on the lives of many.
Blessed be his memory.