Leroy "Lee" Fairbanks Jr., age 61, of Waubun, MN, died unexpectedly on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at his home.

Leroy Paul Fairbanks Jr. was born May 9, 1961, in Mahnomen, MN, the only son of Leroy Paul Fairbanks Sr. and Annette Soyring. His childhood was spent growing up in Elbow Lake Village and he attended school in Waubun. As a young man, Lee, spent several years with Pauline Keezer and they were blessed with three children. He later met Marcie Bunker and they were united in marriage. They made their home together outside Naytahwaush where they raised their blended family. Leroy's life greatly changed when his beloved wife Marcie passed in October of 2017, but he continued to live in their home until his death. Over the years, Lee worked outdoors and lived off the land. His father taught him the trade of leeching and logging. He worked for Burt Wichern logging and also for a time at the Shooting Star Casino in the kitchen.

Lee really enjoyed being in the great outdoors and one with nature. He spent much of his time trapping, hunting, fishing, leeching, and camping. He and Marcie also liked traveling, taking in the sites and playing Bingo. Lee had a great personality with a good sense of humor. Although he had some struggles over the years, he would help a person out whenever he could even if it meant going without for himself. He had a large extended family and cherished time spent with all of them. He will be missed by many.

Lee is survived by his two sons, Rod (Cassie) Keezer of Ogema, MN, and Christopher L. Fairbanks of Naytahwaush, MN; one daughter, Shana Keezer also of Naytahwaush; special family he raised, daughter, Theresa Bunker and granddaughter, Ana Bunker; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; six sisters: Deborah Fairbanks of St. Paul, MN, Denise (John) Kaste of Waubun, Laurel Fairbanks of Detroit Lakes, MN, Jeanette Fairbanks of Waubun, Deonaka Fairbanks of Detroit Lakes and Mary Jorgenson also of Detroit Lakes; his mother-in-law, Phyllis Bunker of Naytahwaush; many aunts, uncles, and cousins on the Fairbanks and Soyring side; and several nieces and nephews. Lee is preceded in death by his son, Matthew Fairbanks; wife, Marcie; parents; in-laws, Lorraine and Melvin Keezer and their family; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Funeral Services will be held at the Naytahwaush Sports Complex on Friday, April 21, 2023, at 1 pm with visitation two hours prior. Burial will be held in Vernon Anderson Cemetery, rural Waubun, MN, at a later date.