Steven

Lee

Steven Bruce Lee, age 71, of Ada, MN passed away peacefully on Saturday September 26, 2026 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND, surrounded by family and friends.

Steven was born in Ada on Wednesday January 5, 1955 to Otto and Ruby (Boe) Lee. He grew up in the area and graduated from Gary High school in 1973. During his school years, Steven was a passionate athlete, proudly playing football as a junior and hitting the court for basketball, cementing a lifelong love for sports. Steven truly loved to work and was known across the community for his skills, strong hands, and dependable nature. He began his career as a carpenter for Cash Way Lumber in Gary, MN. Later, he teamed up with Dean Lee to form their own successful carpentry company, L&L construction. He was a dairy farmer for about 20 years. Then Joe Boe and Steven worked construction together for a few years. Even though Steven and Joe were cousins, they acted more like brothers. Steven also dedicated many years working for the elevators in both Ada and Hendrum, MN, and served as Chairman of the Good Hope Township for 25 years. Even in his later years when most would choose to rest, he stayed active by working for several local farmers including Paulsrud farms of Halstad, MN, enjoying a variety of tasks and an honest day’s labor.

When he wasn’t working, Steven’s athletic spirit stayed with him; he could almost always be found enjoying sports, whether he was cheering loudly from the stands in person or catching a game on TV at home. His favorite sports teams were the Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Gophers, and Minnesota Timberwolves. An avid outdoorsman, he spent countless days hunting and fishing, finding peace and adventure in the great outdoors. Steven cherished the camaraderie of game nights, always ready for a spirited card game or a competitive round of Mexican train dominoes with family and friends. Yet, above all else, he loved the thrill of auction sales, keeping a sharp eye out for hidden treasures and loving the excitement of the bidding process. Steven also had a passion for music, whether it be singing in the high school choir or his love of great music, especially Elvis Presley. Steven loved his family in his own quiet, unconventional way. He loved writing letters to his daughter about his life and always reminded her of how much he cared and loved her.

Steven is survived by his daughter, Rachel Anderson; his nephew, Kent Lee; his cousin, Joe Boe and Joe’s daughter, Whitney Boe; and many other cousins and good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Ruby.

A celebration of Steven’s life will be held on October 7, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Gary Lutheran Church in Gary MN, with a visitation held from 1:00 to 2:00 PM. Burial will follow at Gary cemetery in Gary.

Please join the family after at the luncheon reception following the burial. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the family to help with the final expenses. Steven was a big man with an even bigger heart, and he will be greatly missed. Blessed be the memory of Steven Lee.