Gustav D. Lee

Gustav D. Lee, age 59, passed into God's presence Monday, January 5, 2026 at his home in Nunica, MI with his family close by. Gustav was born February 21, 1966 in Stoneham, MA to Donald and Marie Elizabeth (Olson) Lee. He is survived by his sister Maia and his brothers Marcus, Anton and Ivan, his stepmother, Peggy Lee and half siblings, Katherine and Tippy. Gustav was preceded in death by his sister Kari, his sister Tora and his wife Jodi (Titus) Lee.
His life became difficult following a debilitating back injury in New York and then when his wife, Jodi, was diagnosed with cancer and died in 2015. Gustav and Jodi shared the love that most people dream to be able to experience and Gustav has been grieving her since they had to part. There is solace in the idea that Gustav and Jodi will now be able to reunite and share their love for each other once more.
Gustav lived in many places throughout his life including Massachusetts where he was born, Michigan and Washington where he grew up, and Seattle and Chicago and New York as an adult. Though never having lived in Wisconsin, Gustav adopted the Green Bay Packers as his team of choice and regularly wore the green and gold. Gustav was an artist with food and beverage and dedicated himself to honing his skills working as a barista and a bartender and a sommelier and a chef. He was skilled at preparing feasts or adding the right touch of food or wine to any occasion.
So many long friendships remained strong throughout his life. His friends valued his friendship as well as his insights, thoughts, help and advice. As the remembrances came in after he had passed, the real value of Gustav was apparent by all the testimonials of how much he was loved and appreciated and admired and respected by so many people who he had known, helped, provided positive influence to and was steadfast for.
As a gentle man with great love and kindness for his family and friends, a brother who was patient and curious and creative and helpful and positive, an uncle who loved and taught and led and nurtured, a friend who valued and helped and comforted and stood firm, a husband who loved deeply and cared and grieved, Gustav will remain a beacon of what good and kindness can bring to this world. He will be forever missed but never forgotten.
A celebration of life will take place graveside in upstate New York in 2026. Details to follow.