John Edward Lee Jr
1955 - 2025
John Edward Lee Jr
1955 - 2025
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1955
DIED
2025
John Lee Jr Obituary
August 6, 1955 - July 18, 2025
John Edward Lee Jr., of St. Charles, Missouri, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2025, at the age of 69, surrounded by his loved ones.
Born on August 6, 1955, to John E and Dorothy Lee, John grew up with strong family roots and values that he carried with him throughout his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Diane Galusha (Jerry) and Mary Goughenour (Jack); and his daughter Michelle.
John was married to the love of his life, Laura, for 51 incredible years. Together, they built a family grounded in love, loyalty, and laughter. He was a devoted father to Michelle, John Edward Lee III (Lori) and Rachel Rueve (Andrew), and carried Michelle in his heart every day after her passing.
He is also survived by his brothers Jim Williams (Colleen), Gary Lee, and Kevin Lee (Patty); and his sisters Eileen Daniels (Tim) and Maureen McVey (Jack), along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family who loved him dearly.
He adored his grandchildren-Kennedy, Rylee, Ava, Johnny, Morgan, Jake, and Tristan and Zeke (sons of Jeremy and Carrie)-and took great pride in being part of their lives. Whether in the stands or around the table, he never missed a chance to show up for them.
John had a deep passion for sports and golf. He was a loyal member of the Gluttons Club and treasured his Sunday card games with his buddies-moments filled with stories, laughter, and friendship.
Our father, a true spitfire with a teddy bear's heart, taught us to work hard, listen well, and give our all in every circumstance. He embodied the adage that "hard times create strong men, and strong men create good times," building a legacy of love and resilience for his family. He was tough on the outside, but his heart was pure gold-always showing up, always caring deeply, even when words were few.
In the end, he quietly closed his eyes, let go of the pain, and made his way home-to finally be with Michelle again.
He will be cremated, and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.
He is deeply missed and forever loved.
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David Unnerstall
September 6, 2025
Rest in Peace Johnny Lee. I always looked forward to seeing you.
Jim Williams
August 18, 2025
Hey Bro, it has been a month and you are missed. A man is judged in life by how he was as a husband, father , grandfather and a friend. The legacy you leave behind checks all of the boxes. I can only imagine the heavenly party that is still going on, enjoy.
Jim
Pat Koerner
August 3, 2025
Sending our love and deepest sympathy to Laura and all of John´s family.
We have just shared a beautiful afternoon of remembrance, with so many people that loved and respected John.
May this celebration of his life bring comfort to all.
Ron and Pat Koerner
Judith Durham
July 30, 2025
Dear Laura, We are so very sorry to hear of John's death. We will be keeping you and your family in our prayers. Judith and Bull Durham
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Katherine Sibbernsen Dimit
July 23, 2025
John, I am sorry for the loss of your father. My prayers are with you and your family. May love and faith keep your memories alive of a great man. God Bless, Katie
Julie Seibert
July 23, 2025
John, I am so very sorry to have heard this news. You and your family will be in my prayers as you face this journey ahead. I'm sure your father was a wonderful man, as he did an outstanding job raising you. Julie Seibert
Kathy Lamsargis
July 22, 2025
Everyone should want to have an obituary like that! What a gem of a guy. My cousin would give a tight, loving hug and a truly loving smile on the rare occasions we would see each other. He cared for others and left us too soon. I am sure he is in a marvelous place with loved ones. Your family has our sympathy.
Little Roscoe
July 22, 2025
There are too many memories to count, but they all share the same theme: Roscoe(Uncle John) always showed up-and usually with a grin and a lesson. One memory that´s lived rent-free in my head since 2004 happened on Easter Sunday.
Fresh off Aunt Laura´s infamous egg hunt, I came away rich-$10, two liters of Vess, and a box of Chex. I was feeling unstoppable. As we gathered to watch Spinks vs. Judah I, I was bragging about my spoils when Uncle Roscoe said, "I´ll bet you $10 Spinks wins." I declined, obviously. Then he said, "Fine. I´ll bet you $10 Judah falls in the 11th, Spinks hits the canvas in the 12th, and Spinks wins unanimously." Even at 13, I knew those odds were lottery-level insane. So, naturally, I accepted. Sure enough-Judah down in the 11th, Spinks in the 12th, and Spinks wins by unanimous decision. I handed over my life savings (a Ziploc bag full of quarters), heartbroken. On my way out, Roscoe tossed them back to me and said, "That was a replay, the fight happened last night, numskull. Sharpen up or this world´s gonna eat you alive."
Roscoe, thank you for always showing up. Your resilience, selflessness, unwavering loyalty, and boundless love will live on in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to be loved by you.
Sandy Rueve
July 22, 2025
His presence will be missed but his love is eternal and continues on down the ancestary line....May all that know him, have shared a beer, chatting stories, and played cards...Be better simply having known him. RIP
Brad Fine
July 22, 2025
Sorry for your loss, Laura. We will be thinking of you.
Brad & Karen Fine
Ava Mirth
July 22, 2025
Chris Knopp
July 22, 2025
My heartfelt condolences to the family. I always enjoyed Mr Lee being around at all soccer games and tournaments. He´s a good man. Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Chris Knopp
John
July 22, 2025
What a great guy to be around! The memories will last forever.
Ted Stocker Jr
July 21, 2025
Our condolences to you, the family of John Lee Jr. Prayers for your comfort and happy memories.
I also was a St. Catherine of Alexandria classmate.
Ted and Nancy Stocker Jr.
Mike Mathews
July 21, 2025
My most heartfelt sympathy to the family. It won't be the same at cards on Sunday not having John there.
Bernie and Pat Francis
July 21, 2025
Bernie and I were sad to learn of John´s passing. We met John and Laura when Johnny played soccer with our son Michael. That was many years ago. Most of those boys are still friends as adults. Our prayers and good memories are with the Lee family. God Bless ...
Lindsay Hauze
July 21, 2025
So many memories! And even a few days leading up to your passing, you were so sick in the hospital, yet made Tim & I laugh as you cracked jokes. Because that´s what you did. You made others laugh even in hard times. Thanks for all the smiles and always being so good to me and my family. You´ll be missed!
Mary Ann Callen
July 21, 2025
My sincere condolences to all of John´s family. I loved that guy. We went to grade school together at St Catherine ofcAlexandria in North County. He was a very good friend of my brother Tom Rabbitt. Today 7/21/25 is the anniversary of Tom´s death and John called me annually on this day to talk about Tom. We reconnected after Tom Died. John began visiting my mother and bringing lunch at least twice a month until she died on 2/1/2020. He was at her house the day she died. She loved John so much. I will be forever grateful for his generosity and kindness in visiting her and helping her navigate the journey of loosing a child. He personally shared many wonderful memories of Michelle with us. He is now with her, Tom, and many others and no longer in pain. God Bless. Mary Ann Callen
Terry Ridling
July 21, 2025
I´m so very sorry to hear about John´s passing. All my love and support sent to the whole family.
Lynn Friederich
July 21, 2025
I´m so sorry Laura for your loss. Had a lot of good times with John.
Ann Pluemer
July 21, 2025
So sorry for your loss. Our cousin John was a character for sure. Handsome, great smile, athlete, veteran, but his family was always first! If you asked him about his kiddos - now there was a story. He will be missed! So sorry Laura, children and grandchildren.
Eric
July 21, 2025
Carrie
July 21, 2025
I am so glad I got to see him recently. His smile and eyes light up a room. My heart goes out to the Lee family during this difficulty time. Rachel, Laura, And Johnny if you need anything let me know.
Michael McLaughlin
July 21, 2025
Lucky to have a Cousin like John. Lucky to see him at work for many years. John even came to watch my High School Hockey team. That always was special to me. Always a great time and many laughs.
RIP John Lee!
Mike McLaughlin and Family
Emily Hunter
July 21, 2025
Thinking of all of you as you grieve this unimaginable loss, but also as you celebrate the incredible life Mr. Lee lived. May the memories of him bring you comfort and may knowing he´s reunited with Michelle bring you a small sense of peace. Sending love and heartfelt condolences to your whole family.
Hugs,
Todd and Emily Hunter
Rachel Rueve
July 21, 2025
Love you, Dad!
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