Nathan Edward Lee

Nathan Edward Lee obituary, Buchanan, MI

Nathan Edward Lee

Nathan Lee Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Leatherwood Memorial Chapels - Brady on Jan. 17, 2026.
Nathan Edward Lee, 50, of Buchanan, Michigan, went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 14, 2026, as the result of a car accident near Brady, Texas. Nathan was born on February 11, 1975, in Bemidji, MN to Ron and Cathy (Nordland) Lee and grew up in Littlefork, MN. He graduated from Littlefork-Big Falls High School and later the University of Minnesota. He went on to work as an Electrical Engineer at the AEP DC Cook Plant and served faithfully at Granger Community Church. Nathan married the love of his life, Jennifer Crofutt on August 18, 2007, and has 5 wonderful children.

Nathan's life can be summed up in one word, Jesus. He lived out the way of Jesus in such a way that he knew no strangers and was ready to step in and help with anything. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, and friend. He led his family with strength and love, putting them and their needs far above his own. Every interaction and conversation with Nathan left you feeling seen, heard, and cared for. He was up for any adventure and treasured time spent with family and friends. His silly and fun nature brought a lot of laughter and eyerolls from his kids. Nathan's life left an imprint on all those around him. Just like Jesus, he focused on the one and shared the light and love of Jesus in beautiful ways.

Nathan is survived by his wife, Jennifer; his 5 children, Breanna, Triston (fiancé Jess), Cole, Siara, and Alex; his parents, Ron and Cathy Lee; his two brothers, Justin and Ryan (Jackie), and his sister Michelle (Jake); father and mother-in-law Walter and Connie Crofutt; sisters-in-law, Stefanie (Dave), Patricia, and Victoria; and his 2 nephews, Malachi and Gabe; and 7 nieces, Chiara, Kaydince, Everah, Vienna, Sophia, Aurora, and Emily.

A Celebration of Life for Nathan Lee will be held Monday, January 26, 2026, at 2:00pm at Granger Community Church, 630 E. University Dr., in Granger, IN. A second Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 11:00am at Littlefork Baptist Church, 621 4th Avenue, in Littlefork, MN. Friends may view and/or sign Nathan's online memorial guest book at www.leatherwoodmemorialchapels.com.

To send a flower arrangement in memory of Nathan Edward Lee, please click here to visit our sympathy store.

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

Sign Nathan Lee's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

February 4, 2026

Janet Halim posted to the memorial.

February 4, 2026

Janet Halim posted to the memorial.

February 4, 2026

Scott Hollingshead posted to the memorial.

Janet Halim

February 4, 2026

My prayers to Nathan's family. I met Nathan in college through our campus ministry. Nathan was so pure hearted and such a big love for God. He never said no to help others and was such an incredible example of a follower of Christ. I'm sure he's up in heaven laughing and telling jokes with God. We will miss you Nathan!

Janet Halim

February 4, 2026

God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Scott Hollingshead

February 4, 2026

Nathan was my first Supervisor when I joined Engineering and he was one of the best people that I have ever worked for. I already had over 20 years of experience at D.C. Cook when this took place and Nathan would frequently ask questions in his new role. He cared about his team and we continued to talk after we both moved on to new opportunities. The last few times we saw each other I was walking with my dog and he was out running. He would ask about my retirement and was looking forward to retiring one day himself. I am saddened by this loss for all of his family and friends.

John Babian

January 27, 2026

Nathan will be deeply missed. He was the kind of person who would put aside his own work to help others, no matter what he was doing. His kindness and respect left a lasting impression - the world is poorer for his loss. Rest in peace, my friend.

Wendy Nelson

January 26, 2026

Nathan was one of the good ones. A true man of integrity. He will be missed.

Edmund Lapeta

January 26, 2026

I worked with Nathan for many years at DC Cook. He was as nice a person as he was technically sharp. Nate always had a smile on his face and always had something positive to say. I and all of us at the plant will miss him.

Scott Janes

January 25, 2026

I worked with Nathan at Cook Plant. Just an awesome and funny person to be around and consult with. He never met a stranger and would do anything he could to help at any time. Nathan will be sorely missed. Condolences to his church community, his coworkers, his wonderful family and many friends.

Kevin Swart

January 21, 2026

I´m sure that everyone that knew Nathan is heartbroken - I know I am. Nathan was just that kind of person. I worked with Nathan for many years, he helped train me. It would make me smile every time I would see him. He will be greatly missed. The world is less bright without him in it.

Colleen Timmer

January 19, 2026

I am so truly sorry for this news. My heart goes out to all his family. I have many wonderful memories of Nathan growing up on the farm down the road from his childhood home. He was always gentle and kind and eager to give you a smile. My deepest condolences.

Mindy (Miller) Stuke

January 19, 2026

I am so sad to hear about Nathan. My condolences and prayers to all of you. May he rest in peace.

Joe/Lisa Reller

January 19, 2026

So very sorry for the loss

Robert Stapp (Cook Planner)

January 19, 2026

Nathan was a wonderful person to work with and always to time to help others when needed. May he rest in peace and may the good lord bless his loved ones and ease their pain and grief during this difficult time.

Holly Martin

January 19, 2026

Nathan was a dear friend for 22 years. I remember when he told us he had met Jennifer & was so excited to introduce us to her. He & Jennifer have been such an important part of mine & my family´s lives in so many ways. I´ve never known anyone quite like Nathan; a heart and soul as pure as they come. He will be dearly missed.

Frank Zelasko

January 19, 2026

Nathan, I loved serving alongside you, whether it was in Nicaragua or here, helping someone with their house or cutting and splitting wood for somebody. I love being able to talk to you about certain things and you were always right there where I was on my faith journey. You are a true example of what humility looks like in a person. You have showing us all the example of what Jesus would want us to live like here on this earth.

Penny Zelasko

January 19, 2026

Nathan was a dear friend with a servant´s heart. He never knew a stranger, went out of his way to include others, loved his family fiercely, and wanted everyone to know Jesus no matter where they were in their walk. We were blessed to have him in our lives and blessed to call him friend.

We are heartbroken that he´s left this place on earth, but rejoice in knowing he is with the Father now, likely sharing a story.

Prayers and hugs for the family. We love you all.

Kimberley Lichty

January 19, 2026

Thank you for bringing your smile every Sunday and to GCC events. Thankful to have known you and Jennifer and call you friends.
Absolutely going to miss our conversations on the best running shoes in between services Nate.

Kyle Sorensen

January 19, 2026

I'm so sorry to the entire Lee/Crofutt family. I have too many great memories to list with one of my very best friends. He will be deeply missed.

Erin Peterson

January 19, 2026

We were so saddened to hear of Nathan's passing. We've known him since high school. We were a couple of years younger, but still knew Nathan pretty well because Nathan was someone who connected with everyone he knew, whether it was school activities, church activities, or out in public. Nathan had a way of making sure everyone felt included and important. Our kids also worked together at more than one VBS when they'd come to Littlefork to visit Ron & Cathy in the summer. Nathan's life was definitely a testimony to everyone who knew him. His love for Jesus was evident in the way he interacted with and cared for others. He will be missed. Please know your family is in our thoughts and prayers after this tragic loss.
Shawn & Erin Peterson and family

Jamie Jamison

January 19, 2026

My son Elliott Akers and myself started to go to Granger community Church in November of 2013 when my son was 3 and he seen Elliott grew up with his son Alex we got to New him thru out the years since then. I started going to Bible group at his home in his wife group and my son got to hangout with Alex and him while us ladies had group on Sundays. The last time my son and I seen Nathan was on Saturday the 10th. at the 5 o'clock service I remember talking to him about my son Elliott was on the borderline of diabetes. We will miss him just joking at Elliott and myself when we see him at church.

Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results

Leatherwood Memorial Chapels - Brady

1001 South Elm St, Brady, TX 76825

Make a Donation
in Nathan Lee's name

How to support Nathan's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Nathan Lee's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sponsored anonymously

Sign Nathan Lee's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

February 4, 2026

Janet Halim posted to the memorial.

February 4, 2026

Janet Halim posted to the memorial.

February 4, 2026

Scott Hollingshead posted to the memorial.