Lee Demere Jr., age 62, of Bejou, MN, died Saturday, June 6, 2009 at the Mahnomen Health Center Hospital in Mahnomen, MN.

Lee Roy Demere Jr., was born in Milwaukee, WI, on July 9, 1946, the son of Lee and Maebelle (Rediske) Demere Sr. He spent most of his childhood in Darien, WI, and Delavan, WI, on Delavan Lake. Lee attended the Bailey School followed by Delavan-Darien High School. After his graduation, Lee enlisted in the United States Army, serving during the Vietnam conflict. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned home to work in Wisconsin. Shortly thereafter, Lee married Laura and was blessed with his first son, Lee Demere III. He later began working for William D. Stanley Shows traveling around the United States. Through this position he came to work at the Polk County Fair in Fertile, MN, where he met Joyce Sweep. After dating for a few whirl-wind months, Joyce and Lee were married on October 31, 1973 in Mahnomen, MN. The couple continued traveling with the carnival for almost four years until they started their family together. At that time Lee and Joyce moved back to Darien, where Lee worked as a welder for a short time. Lee began driving truck and continued to do so for over 30 years. In 1980, they moved to Bejou, where they have made their home since. Lee and Joyce were blessed with four children, Cassie, Casey, Clintin, and Chris. Lee was currently employed with Marten Transport.

Lee saw much of the United States driving over the road, taking Joyce along with him on these trips as often as he could. He loved to play cards and do crossword puzzles. He cherished his time off the road and was always sure to be home to celebrate Christmas. When he was able to be home, he spent many hours working on his house, often fixing what wasn't broken. Lee lived for his wife, kids and grandkids, having special nick names for many of them. Papa Lee will be missed by each of them.

Lee is survived by his wife, Joyce of Bejou; three sons: Lee III (Kristina) of Wilmington, IL, Clintin of Moorhead, MN, and Chris (Jenny) of Hutchison, MN; two daughters, Cassie (Nate) Katterhagen of Long Prairie, MN, and Casey (Joe) Slette of Mahnomen; two brothers, John Jr. (Pat) Waligora of Poplar Bluff, MO, and Lyle (Sandy) Waligora of Beloit, WI; three sisters: Sharon (Donald) McClearn of Baraboo, WI, Martha (Frank) Marzahl of Seymour, IA, and Susan (Ray) Ellis of Edgerton, WI. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Carolyn "Midget" Pavlish, Jeanette Demere, Joseph Slette, Kayla Slette, Hunter Katterhagen, and Broden Demere; many nieces and nephews, as well as a special God-Daughter, Katie "Doorknob" Wibbels.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Lee and Jesse Demere Sr., and Maebelle and John Waligora Sr.; one sister, Barb Chambers; one niece, Stacy Warn; and two great-nieces, Melinda Hudson and Kiana Kanmore.

A Memorial Service was held at the Anderson-Mattson Funeral Home on at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, June 9, 2009, with Pastor Nathan Baker-Trinity officiating. Lavon Cook and Marvin Slette provided special music. A time of gathering was held prior to the service beginning at 5:00 pm Tuesday evening.