Shad Allen Lee

Shad Allen Lee, 54, passed away on Monday, February 16, 2026, in Sioux Falls, SD

With heavy hearts and spirits shaken, we mourn the loss of our beloved Shad Allen Lee of Sioux Falls, SD, who departed this world unexpectedly on February 16th, 2026, at the age of 54. 

Shad was born on December 5, 1971, in Fairbanks, AK, to the late Dennis Lee and Patricia Lee (Kingsboro). He briefly attended grade school in Brandon, SD, before his family planted permanent roots in Baltic, SD. Shad grew up playing baseball and played on the Baltic Bulldogs football team. He graduated from Baltic High School in 1990.

On December 24, 1993, Shad married Christy Johnston (Kaffar). On November 25, 1996, his beautiful daughter, Erin Lee (Daly), was born. Shad was always so very proud of his daughter and the smart, wonderful woman and mother she has become.

Close to twenty years ago, Shad “crashed” into the love of his life, his twin flame, Heather Conley (Voss). They became forever joined in marriage on June 26, 2009. Alongside this sacred union, Shad was blessed with a stepdaughter, Zoe Conley, who endearingly called him her “Shad dad.”

Shad was always a hard worker, entering the workforce while still in high school. His work history included everything from working with his dad to helping his mom cater events, to the brisket line at John Morell, to welding at DTS, to building and installing signs at Ace Neon Signs, and a few others in between. Shad ultimately landed at Granite Accents, Inc., where he has spent the past 16 years. While the granite business was physically demanding and hard on his body, he enjoyed and respected the trade. He always did his best to make sure his contribution to the finished product was perfect and would share how proud he was of his work. The best part of his time there was the relationships he built with the owners and his co-workers, all of them becoming extended family. 

Growing up, Shad’s favorite pastime was “entertaining” his family, specifically his mom and aunt Laurie, with his antics alongside his partner in crime, his cousin, Troy. With an age gap of only three months, Troy was much more a brother than a cousin to Shad. 

Throughout his life, Shad found joy in the outdoors, especially fishing and camping at Fort Randall. He would often reminisce about days as a kid riding in his dad’s truck, listening to some Johnny Horton on their way out to catch the big ones.  Fort Randall/Pickstown, SD, was one of the places where he felt most at peace. Shad was a lifelong, diehard Miami Dolphins fan, even when he was unimpressed with their performance and struggled to admit it out loud. Shad spent many years playing in a pool league, then a bowling league, and, in recent years, a dart league. He was a stellar dart player and often hard to beat. While he enjoyed the activities themselves, he was most grateful for the friends he gained and the ones who became family along the way. He truly loved spending time with friends, whether sharing stories, laughing, or simply being together. Shad loved his heavy metal music, the louder the better. Having attended many concerts, Metallica was his very favorite band of all time. He had a fondness for science fiction movies, everything Star Wars, his PlayStation games, and classic cartoons, primarily Scooby Doo. He learned to “love” antique shopping with Heather, but never quite came around to loving Costco shopping trips, not because Heather didn't try. Outside of work, Shad and Heather spent every moment together, even running the simplest of errands. They enjoyed outdoor concerts and festivals in the summer, camping trips, and early-morning breakfast dates on weekends. No matter the event, errand, or gathering, it was always “Shad and Heather”.

Those blessed and grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Heather Lee, Sioux Falls, SD; daughter Erin (Kyle) Daly, Chancellor, SD; stepdaughter Zoe Conley, Brainard, NE; grandchildren Reese and Emery; mother Patricia Lee, Tea, SD; father-in-law Henry Voss, Yankton, SD; sister-in-law Jessica (Steve) Clary, Columbia, SC; brother/cousin Troy Hoek, Brandon, SD; aunt Laurie (Randy) Hoek, Brandon, SD; aunt Sandra (Alon) Spektor, Sioux Falls, SD; cousins Adam Spektor, Ben (Jane) Spektor, Coby Spektor, Dylan Hoek, Taylor (Shantaveous) Hoek; his many close friends and co-workers; and his fur baby, Wednesday.

Shad was preceded in death by his father, Dennis Lee; maternal grandparents, Wayne and Violet Kingsboro; paternal grandparents, John and Vivian Lee; and mother-in-law, Sherri Voss.

Shad was a man of few words and always stoic. Shad’s kind heart and humble demeanor have left an indelible mark on all who knew him. His laugh and random goofiness could brighten the darkest day, and his quiet acts of love often spoke louder than words. He was equally as sensitive as he was strong. Shad guarded his heart yet loved deeply. 

His life, though far too short, was filled with meaning, love, and lasting impact. Shad will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will always live on in the hearts and stories of the many people who loved him.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will take place on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Heritage Funeral Home. As a tribute to Shad’s love for the music, his family encourages you wear a t-shirt from Shad's favorite band, Metallica, or from your favorite heavy metal band to the visitation. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Shad’s memory can be made to the Helpline Center. (helplinecenter.org, or call 211)

Shad’s family would also like to extend a special thank-you to everyone at Granite Accents, Inc., for their generous gift of the beautiful urn they have created in Shad's memory. Each of Shad’s coworkers personally contributed to its design and fabrication. It means so much, and our hearts are deeply touched. We know you all miss him as much as we do. Thank you, Lee, Judy, Travis, Terry, Jeff, Zach, Aaron, Phil, Jon, and Ashton.