Robert Lee

1930 - 2025

Robert Lee

July 27, 1930 - August 2, 2025

Robert G. Lee, "Bob" died peacefully at the age of 95 on August 2, 2025, surrounded by his family in Madison. Bob was born on July 27, 1930, to Lester and Eleanor Lee. The oldest of four siblings, he grew up in the Nakoma neighborhood where he learned his passion for golf and all things UW Badgers.

Bob loved his Norwegian heritage and as a youth spent many summers on the homestead of his grandfather, Leonard Lee, who had traveled from Norway and settled the family in Cashton, Wis., in the early 1900s.

He graduated from West High School, class of 1948, and since then has never passed on the opportunity to provide a rendition of the school song. After college, Bob enlisted in the USAF, becoming a pilot and officer. In 1955 he met and married Barbara Ann Bellows, often recalling that being the best decision he ever made. They remained together until Barbara's passing in 2020. Shortly after their marriage, Bob and Barbara moved to Bedford, England, where Bob was stationed at the Royal Air Force Base in Molesworth. While in England, they had their first child, Michael, and upon their return to the States added another son, Robert, and a daughter, Sonja.

Bob obtained his law degree from the University of Wisconsin and joined his father in the practice at what would become the firm of Lee, Kilkelly, Paulson & Younger in Madison. He was a respected attorney and a trusted counselor to many.

In retirement, Bob and Barbara moved to Naples, Fla., where Bob became a founding member of The Club at Pelican Bay. He planned and enjoyed many golf trips to Ireland, Scotland, and throughout the U.S. The camaraderie he had with his golfing buddies, ("The Mulligans"), kept him on the links into his 90s. He made his fifth and final hole-in-one at the remarkable age of 94, a feat that perfectly captured his zest for life and competitive spirit.

Bob was preceded in death by his sisters, Nancy and Sonja, and his brother, Richard.

He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Our family is honoring the wish of our dad to have a private family service in Cashton, Wis., where he will join our mom in the small, beautiful Norwegian cemetery nestled in the hills there. Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road Madison

608-238-3434