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Lee M. Roberts

1950 - 2024

Lee M. Roberts obituary, 1950-2024, Rio, WI

BORN

1950

DIED

2024

FUNERAL HOME

Grasse Funeral Service

401 Angel Way

Rio, Wisconsin

Lee Roberts Obituary

Lee M. Roberts

December 8, 1950 - October 20, 2024

BEAVER DAM - Lee M. Roberts, 73, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 20, 2024, after a courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease at Charleston House in Beaver Dam.

Born December 8, 1950, in Rio, Wis., to parents Glenn and Louise Roberts. Lee graduated from Rio High School in 1969 after a four-sport high school career. His athletic ability led him to collegiate success, where he was team captain of the 1972 MATC baseball team, and later honored with induction into the MATC Hall of Fame in 1984. He continued his education at UW- Whitewater, graduating with honors in 1974.

A man of many unique talents, Lee dominated the United States watermelon seed spitting circuit throughout the 1970s, capturing five championships and setting a then-world record in 1973 with a winning distance of 38' 6 3/4". Never one to reveal his full training regimen, Lee only shared with his immense fanbase that one of his secrets was practicing with corn kernels for the added weight. Also during this time, Lee began his Rio Home Talent baseball career as both a player and manager. A feared batter all the way until his retirement in the early 90s, Lee went out with a bang, going 2-3 in his last game with two home runs, the second coming on the last at-bat of his career.

Lee had a long and successful career as an insurance loss prevention consultant, due in part to his gift for presentation. His insurance seminars were more like educational stand-up routines. He began officiating high school sports in 1973 and achieved Level 5 Master Official in four different sports. Lee and his officiating partner, Mike Gest, were chosen to officiate multiple state tournaments. Lee also dedicated time to educating fellow officials, players, coaches, and parents on rule changes and sportsmanship. After retiring in 2013, Lee was honored as an inductee to the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame as a referee.

Lee also served on numerous boards and committees, including the Yellow Thunder Officials Association, the Columbia County Conservation Board, the Arlington Mutual Bank board of directors, and the Portage Elks. A steward of safety in all walks of life, he also taught drivers' and hunter's education at various times throughout his life.

In his fleeting leisure time, Lee had a passion for all things outdoors, and took as much pride in providing quality habitat for the wild animals on his property as he did in harvesting several trophy deer, turkeys, elk, and fish. He married the love of his life, Marigrace, on December 16, 2001, and together they enjoyed traveling internationally along with the ponds and woods on their estate, always with their adored yellow labs. Marigrace spent every day by his side and restlessly advocated for his care as his Parkinson's took hold, there with him until the end.

A generous, hilarious, and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Lee is survived by his wife of 23 years, Marigrace; his son, Reed Roberts (Jessica); grandchildren, Jameson and Gabriella; his brother, Dean Roberts (Toni); sister, Linda Stueck (Allen); former wife, Amy Roberts; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He also leaves behind his Charleston House "family" of nurses and caretakers who adored him and his stories.

Funeral services will be held Monday, October 28, 2024, at 4 p.m. at Grasse Funeral Home in Rio. Visitation will be held at 2 p.m. until the time of service on Monday. Online condolences may be made at www.grassefs.com. Grasse Funeral Service in Rio is serving the family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Madison.com on Oct. 26, 2024.

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4 Entries

Gary McKenzie

October 29, 2024

Rest in peace my friend!
Thanks for all you did for so many!
Gary McKenzie

Mike Passini

October 28, 2024

Always enjoyed playing Home talent against Lee and his Rio team mates. Great competitor!
Enjoyed a beer after the game. Rest In Peace. Hope there is baseball in heaven!

Bj mcmahon

October 27, 2024

Got the pleasure to ref basketball with Lee and Mike. Lee was always great to me. It's hard to replace guys like him who took the time to officiate so many sports and give back to younger officials. He will be missed

Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum

Charleston House

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Memorial Events
for Lee Roberts

Oct

28

Visitation

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Grasse Funeral Service

401 Angel Way, Rio, WI 53960

Oct

28

Funeral service

4:00 p.m.

Grasse Funeral Service

401 Angel Way, Rio, WI 53960

Funeral services provided by:

Grasse Funeral Service

401 Angel Way, Rio, WI 53960

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