Richard “Dick” Lee, 80, formerly of Baldwin, ND passed away June 5, 2019 at his Bismarck home with his family by his side. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 10th at Bismarck Funeral Home. Burial will follow at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday, June 9th, from 5-8 p.m., with a prayer service and sharing starting at 7:00 p.m., also at Bismarck Funeral Home.
Richard was born February 5, 1939 in Valley City, ND, the son of Lawrence and Selma (Johnson) Lee. He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Valley City. Richard attended rural school in Barnes County and graduated from College High in 1957. He attended Capital Commercial College in Bismarck for a year.
Richard worked for and managed grain elevators for 26 years. He then became a crop insurance adjustor for 30 years, retiring this year after turning 80 years old, just as he had wished. Richard was also an active member of the Army National Guard from 1955-1963.
He married Ardis Hoff on December 6, 1959 and they were blessed to raise two children, Miles and Christine. They lived in several locations during their marriage.
Richard was an active member in each community, serving on many boards and as the Mayor of Regan. He liked to say, “Anyone who knew me knows what I did and who I am.”
Richard is survived by his wife of 59 ½ years, Ardis; son Miles (Natalie) Lee, Sartell, MN; daughter Christine (Robert) Fredrickson, Bismarck; grandchildren Amber Lee and Jonathan Lee; great-grandchild Bryden Lee; 7 step-grandchildren and 19 step-great-grandchildren; brother Gary (Evalene) Lee; and many nieces and nephews.
Richard is preceded in death by parents Lawrence and Selma, sisters Maxine Erickson and Sylvia Aune, brothers David and Curtis Lee, in-laws Edwin and Esther Hoff, brothers-in-law Wesley Hoff and Andrew Aune, and nephews Steven Lee and Mike Aune.