Arlys Lee, age 94, of Mahnomen, MN, died Thursday, June 24, 2021, at the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home.

Arlys Joan Underdahl, the daughter of Alfred and Lela (Koehler) Underdahl, was welcomed into this world at her family home during a winter blizzard on January 6, 1927.  She was raised in Woodside Township, rural Erskine, MN, where she attended country school.  Arlys was baptized and later confirmed her Lutheran Faith at Rodnes Church, rural Erskine.  Following her high school graduation, Arlys received her teaching certificate and began her career in a one room schoolhouse.  She taught for several years at a local country school and later earned her bachelor's degree in teaching from Minnesota State University.  On July 7, 1949, Arlys was united in marriage to Joseph Lee and the couple made their first home together in the Minneapolis area, where Joe attended school.  During his studies, Arlys worked at Dayton's Department Store expanding on her great fashion sense.  A few years later, the couple moved to Mahnomen, MN.  As they established Lee Electric, Arlys worked at the Naytahwaush Public School, teaching first and fourth grades there for eight years.  They were lovingly blessed with two children, Cindy and Scott, whom she adored. Expanding their business, Arlys and Joe added an appliance store to Lee Electric, which they proudly owned and operated until her retirement.  During this time Arlys loved to have coffee at the Red Apple which continued even after her retirement. In her later years, Arlys stayed very busy substitute teaching at the Circle of Life School in White Earth, MN, and helping with various community activities.  A longtime member of First Lutheran Church, her faith was a steady rock in Arlys' life. She enjoyed sharing the word of God with area children during Lutheran release time for many years.  Arlys and Joe traveled extensively around the world early in their marriage and continued their adventures throughout their life. They were an independent couple, but truly suited each other perfectly, enjoying their time together for over 56 years.   Following Joes' death in 2006, Arlys remained in her home until moving to the Mahnomen Health Center 2017.

Arlys was very artistic and loved to paint.  As her talents grew, she created many breathtaking paintings.  She was always ready to try something new and never turned down a chance to hunt with Joe, attend a Lutefisk feed, or embark on an exciting journey.   She appreciated the gifts of nature and cherished drives around to gather wildflowers.  She also liked to feed and watch birds and beautiful butterflies.  Arlys treasured her family and loved each of her grandchildren. She also had a special place in her heart for animals.    The family spent much of their free time at their lake cabin on South Twin Lake, which she and Joe built with their own hands.  Many memories were made surrounded by family and friends.

She is survived by her children: Cindy (Mike) Bunker and Scott Lee, all of Mahnomen; six grandchildren: Sean Kresien-Bunker (Brilyn Agnew) of Moorhead, MN, Catherine Bunker of Mahnomen, Paul Leird of Blairsville, GA, Kaitlynn Leird of Marathon, FL, Kimberli Leird (Braden Anderson) of Blairsville, GA, and Makenzie Lee of Mahnomen; one great grandchild: Sterling Leird; and special niece, who was like a sister, Penny Hardison;  as well as many other dear nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe; her parents: Alfred and Lela; her stepmother, Thorine; and two sisters, Eileen (Don) Josslyn and June (Ray) Hovland.