Roberta Kay Schlee

Obituary of Roberta Kay Schlee

Roberta Kay Schlee passed away on August 21, 2025, in Minneapolis at the age of 89. Roberta was a lifelong resident of Northeast Minneapolis.

She was born on November 5, 1935, in Minneapolis, MN, and was the loving daughter of Clarence Clinton Emerson and Rosalia Frances (Wierzba) Emerson. She attended Pillsbury Elementary School in Northeast Minneapolis and was a 1953 graduate of Edison High School. She also attended the University of Minnesota Art School.

Roberta was a homemaker and worked many years as a secretary at Forsythe Appraisals. She was very artistic, a talented painter, MN State Fair award-winning kniter, and avid reader. She was also a lifelong Twins fan and a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Roberta enjoyed puzzles, traveling, researching the family genealogy, spending time at the family cabin, and the winters in sunny Florida. She loved her friends at the monthly sewing club. But her most cherished moments were the times spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Roberta is preceded in passing by her parents; her sister Shirley Emerson Noble and brother-in-law Douglas Noble; her nephew Jeffrey Noble; and her daughter-in-law Rhonda (Gilbertson) Schlee.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Tom Schlee. And her children Christopher Schlee of Minneapolis, Nancy (Schlee) Curren and husband Jim of North Branch, and Charles Schlee and wife Tanya of Minneapolis. Her grandchildren, Rachael Schlee of Columbia Heights; Samantha (Curren) Grogan and husband Bobby of Scandia; Alex Schlee of Minneapolis; Carly Schlee of Minneapolis; and Matthew Curren and wife Jenny of Forest Lake. Her great-grandchildren are Kelli and Hillary Curren and Liam Grogan. Her Niece Patricia (Noble) Swinarsky along with many loving nieces & nephews.

The family is having a private memorial service and asks that cards and memorials be sent to the family.