Ping Soon Lee

Ping S. Lee, 74, of Fox Point, WI, beloved husband, father, and brother, died on March 7, 2024. He was born on May 23, 1949, in China to Min Ngook Chin and York Pin Lee.   After settling in Ipoh, Malaysia, Ping was joined by five sisters Keum Lee (Regina), Fah Lai (Germaine), Pow Lee, Man Lai (Michelle), and Cheen Lee. Ping was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Fah Lai.

Upon turning 16, Ping moved to New York City to live with an uncle while completing his high school education at St. Agnes Catholic High School. While still in New York he worked various jobs.

Ping then moved to Milwaukee to get a fresh start and again worked various jobs before continuing his education at MSOE and then UWM.  At age 29 he received his BS degree in mechanical engineering.  His first professional job was at Cutler-Hammer (later Eaton Corporation) for five years during which he was awarded his first patent.  He then moved to Allen-Bradley (later Rockwell) where he spent 34 years adding to his patent total and achieving Engineer of the Year in 1992.

Ping retired and then launched himself into the world of finance, creating algorithms and programs to help further his financial security, quite often beating the market.

Ping met his wife, Cynthia Berndt (Cindy) while both were employed at Eaton.  They married in 1986 and had their son Nicholas (Nick) in 1992.

Ping loved being a dad and attending Nick’s various sporting events and musical performances.  He would always ask Nick to play his favorite song but could never remember the title. Nick finally figured out his dad was requesting The Swan by Camille Saint-Saens.  Both of them loved watching kung fu movies and saw everything Bruce Lee, Jet Li, and Jackie Chan.  Cindy watched also but maybe not quite as enthusiastically.

Ping was a great cook, his barbecued ribs being especially popular with visiting family.  He would often speak with chefs at restaurants to find out about dishes he particularly liked and would then replicate them at home. Sometimes that worked, other times not so much.  Ping taught himself golf by reading books and spending hours at the driving range.  When he was satisfied with his progress he started hitting the links, first at Lincoln Golf Course and moving up to courses like Brown Deer.  The highlight of his golfing career was playing a round at Torrey Pines.  

Other hobbies Ping enjoyed were watercolor painting and reading, especially thrillers.

Ping and Cindy enjoyed long walks together.  Some favorite spots were the Lakefront and Oak Leaf Trail.  They also loved visiting national parks like Acadia, Bryce Canyon, and Death Valley.  Acadia almost took them both out - so much for believing a moderate trail rating.  They also loved their times shared at museums, symphony performances, and plays at various city venues.

Travel was a big part of Ping’s life, both domestic and international.  Ping, Cindy, and Nick’s last big trip together was to Egypt, a trip of a lifetime.

Family will greet friends at a celebration of Ping’s life, starting at 3:00 PM, on Friday, March 15, at Feerick Funeral Home, 2025 E. Capitol Dr., Shorewood, WI 53211. A time of sharing will take place at 4:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Boys and Girls Club of Milwaukee or another charity of your choice.