Lee Charles Krueger, age 86 of Markesan, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, January 16, 2023.

A memorial gathering for Lee will take place on Monday, January 30, 2023, at Faith Lutheran Church, N1529 WI-73, Markesan, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Matthew Ude officiating. The family encourages those in attendance to wear a face mask.

Lee was born in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, on May 18, 1936, the son of Robert and Elizabeth (Hager) Krueger. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church.

Lee's love of gardening and his entrepreneurial spirit began at a young age while helping his grandfather sell produce door to door.  In high school, Lee attended Minnesota Boys State and excelled in sports as well as dramatics. He graduated from Sleepy Eye High School in 1954 and went on to earn a bachelor's degee in Business Administration from the University of Minnesota. On March 21, 1959, Lee was united in marriage to Elna Marie Matthesen in Minneapolis. They enjoyed 63 years of marriage together and treasured their time wintering in Sun City, Arizona.

Lee worked for Del Monte Canning for 12 seasons, transferring from Sleepy Eye to Markesan in 1960. He joined Robin Manufacturing in 1964, becoming president in 1971. Later, Lee co-founded Winner Products, Inc., which sold polystyrene packaging and display items along with animal coin banks used to raise funds for animal aid organizations.

Lee was a dedicated, founding member of Faith Lutheran Church in Markesan where he served on the Board of Missions for 20 years. He loved his trips to Nigeria and India to help establish orphanages for children in need. Lee also was an integral member of the wider community and worked hard to promote community development. He was a charter member of the Markesan Lions Club, serving a term as president. He was a lifetime member of the Markesan Historical Society and a guide at the Grand River Valley Museum from its inception.

Singing was Lee's passion. He proudly sang in the Kiwanis Spring Musical for 62 years, sang lead for the Royaltones barbershop quartet, and sang robustly in church both in the choir and from the pews. When he wasn't singing (or humming or whistling or yodeling), he often enjoyed telling a good joke or sharing a funny story.

Lee will be remembered for his friendliness, his engaging conversation, his humor, his attention to detail, his frugality, his dependability, his willingness to help, and his beautiful singing voice.

Lee is survived by his wife of 63 years, Elna Krueger;  daughters, Elise (John Ladwig) Matthesen, Karyn (Curtis Personke) Krueger;  grandson, Bryan (Becky) Personke; great-grandsons, Jalen and Levi Personke;  brother, Lynn (Jane) Krueger;  brothers-in-law, Michael Winer and James (Judy) Matthesen;  nieces, Becky (Justin) Peter and Jennifer Winer;  nephews, Sean Heitz, Kerry (Lisa) Heitz, and Peter Matthesen; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents;  sister, Judy Winer;  sister-in-law, Mae Little; and other relatives.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to be serving the family.