Kenneth Edward Lee, 78
Kenneth Edward Lee, 78, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2005, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell.
He was born on June 8, 1927, in Kalispell, the son of Clarence Edward and Bertha (Overby) Lee. Ken received his early education attending grade school in Somers, and then graduating from Flathead County High School. He also received a degree in gunsmithing.
Ken worked at the Somers Tie plant until he joined the U.S. Navy and assisted in transporting arms, ammunition and supplies to the California base during World War II. After being honorably discharged he came back to the Flathead and worked various jobs until he went to work for Burlington Northern Railroad.
Ken married Charlene Schmitz on Dec. 4, 1955, in Coeur d' Alene, Idaho. He worked for Flathead County landfill until he retired. At that time he went to work for Nabisco Merchandising product at local grocery stores.
Ken was an avid hunter and fisherman and was well known throughout the farming community. He was also a member of the National Rifle Association, Ducks Unlimited, North America Hunting Club and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
Ken was preceded in death by his wife, Charlene, and his parents.
He is survived by his sister, Shirley Zauner and husband, Fred; son, Scott Lee and fiancee, Rebecca Hasher of Kalispell; daughters, Roni Shenefelt and husband, Darrel, of Kalispell, Danetta Lee and husband, Tom, of Las Vegas, Lynn Norby and husband, Ray, of Kalispell, and Linda Stewart and husband, Jim, of Snoqualamie, Wash.; 11 grandchildren, Nicholas Palicz, Melissa Philips, Lynzee Lee, Danika Lee, Scott Audette, Jerry Norby, Denise Belt, Yvette Mickelson, April Lee, Stacy Stewart, and Jason Stewart; seven great-grandchildren, Tyler Palicz, Gabbie Berosik, Whitney Mickelson, Jordyn Mickelson, McKay Mickelson, Hayden Lee and Alexxandra Belt.
Graveside services will be held 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19, at Glacier Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Saturday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Johnson Mortuary.
The family suggests memorial gifts be given to the National Rifle Association, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030 or the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, 5705 Grant Creek Rd., Missoula, MT 59808.
Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Kenneth's family.