Donald E. Lee, 88, of Ada, MN died Sunday, December 23, 2012, at Bridges Care Community, Ada, MN.

Donald was born May 29, 1924, in the Ada Hospital, the son of Theodore and Mabel (Bjorem) Lee. He was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Ada and attended school in Ada. Donald served in the United States Army from June of 1943 to December of 1945. He was with the 25th Division of the 35th Infantry serving in the Pacific mainly in the Philippines. He was honorably discharged attaining the rank of Tech Sergeant. He returned home to Ada where he drove truck from 1946 to 1949. Donald was united in marriage to Phyllis Palm on April 7, 1947. They were blessed with two children; Judy and DuWayne. They made their home in Ada and Donald began working for Great Northern Railroad out of Ada in 1950. He retired in 1983 from the Northern Pacific Railroad after they merged. Phyllis died in 1962. Donald was united in marriage to Sylvia Olson in 1971. They operated the Welcome Inn in Ada in the early 1970's.

Donald was known for his generous heart and kind words, and he never said a bad word about anyone. He always had a few Norwegian jokes to share and he enjoyed following the Minnesota Twins, raising vegetables in his fantastic garden, and driving around Ada in his cherished 1982 Buick.

Donald is survived by his daughter, Judy Franz, Iowa City, IA; his son, DuWayne (Stephanie) Lee, Ada, MN; one sister, Gayle (Lowell) Jacobson, Ada, MN; 5 grandchildren, Jennifer (Brian) Peter, Des Moines, IA; Jeffrey (Cathe) Franz, Iowa City, IA; Christopher Lee, Fargo, ND; Betsy Lee, Warroad, MN; Alex (Alexandra) Lee, Warroad, MN; 8 great grandchildren, Anya, Tommy, Laina, Molly, Andrew, Nile, Ryan, and Easton; one great-great grandchild, Nadya; 3 stepchildren, Sonja Leines, Mike "Butch" Olson, and Richard Olson; several nieces; nephews; and his good friend, Helen Wills. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wives, Phyllis and Sylvia.

Funeral service: 11:00AM Saturday, December 29, 2012, in Grace Lutheran Church, Ada, MN.
Visitation: One hour before the service at the church.
Burial: Ada Municipal Cemetery, Ada, MN