Fred Lee

Fred Lee

Fred Lee died peacefully at home on August 31, 2015 at the age of 81. Fred was born on April 16, 1934 in Hood River, Oregon. As a young boy, Fred loved to work. So much so that by the age of nine, he was already involved with his family's restaurant; washing dishes, bussing tables and even learning to cook. He loved cooking so much that he planned on becoming a chef after high school, but instead, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force (1952-1956), serving a tour in Germany.

Upon returning to Oregon, Fred ran into a high school friend named JoAnna ("Peg"). They dated, fell in love and in 1959 they got married - celebrating 56 wonderful years together.

Fred had many great talents, he enjoyed life and strived for excellence in everything he pursued. In the Air Force, he was a respected airplane mechanic. In his restaurants, he became a self-taught chef, mastering numerous different cuisines. In Shotokan Karate, he achieved the distinguished second degree black belt, while also running his own dojo. During the disco era, he danced competitively (mainly to please his dance partner JoAnna who loved to dance, but then again, there was nothing he wouldn't do for his beautiful wife!) All the while busily raising four children and being a respected business man and mentor to the many employees that worked for him over the years. Later in life, he took on a new challenge and became a dedicated Texas Hold 'Em poker player, where he was a weekly competitive player at The Peppermill Poker Room. Despite his many accomplishments, he will always be remembered for his simple focus on family, food, and great times.

Fred and JoAnna ran many successful restaurants in Oregon, finally retiring to Reno, Nevada. After a few years, they decided to open one last small restaurant. In 1999, they started operating Peg's Glorified Ham n Eggs. With help from his wife and children, Peg's became a local favorite and Fred was able to successfully expand his restaurant business through Northern Nevada and California.

Fred is preceded in death by his wife JoAnna, his brothers Bill and Hoover and his sister Mary. He is survived by his children Jewel (David), Jodi, Angela (Philip), Fred (Cady) and Jeannine (Garry), his sisters Ruth and Lois, twelve grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and a long list of loving relatives and good friends.

Memorial services will be held September 17, 2015, 5:00 p.m. at Mountain View Mortuary located at 425 Stoker Ave, Reno, Nevada. The Lee Family welcomes family and friends to join them following the service at The Peppermill Casino for a celebration of Fred's life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent in Fred's name to The National MS Society 4600 Keitzke Lane Suite #K225 Reno, Nevada 89502.