Dewey Lee

After a 17th month battle with glioblastoma multiforme brain cancer, Dewey is free of pain and in God’s Heavenly Kingdom. Dwayne Wilhelm Lee was born May 22, 1948 to Darold and Frieda Meyer Lee. He went to heaven surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, August 11, 2013, at his home. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Dewey married his high school sweetheart, Sam (Connie) Sandvig Bubke on June 24, 1967, and became proud parents of three sons….Darren, Derek and Dane. He graduated from the Schleswig Community School system and attended the University of Wisconsin, River Falls on a football scholarship. He came home to farm with his father and two brothers and formed the family corporation, Leemey, Inc. He loved farming and took much pride and joy in working the soil. He was a faithful member of St. Luke Lutheran Church, Ricketts, IA and served many positions of the church.
Dewey was such a kind and gentle man. He set an example to his children how to be a faithful Christian husband and father. He never spoke unkind words and was always willing to help those in need. For many years, he and Sam attended their sons’ school functions, participated in card clubs, snowmobiling, bowling, church activities and traveled. He loved to golf with the “Soldier Township Boys” where there were “no rules”. One of Dewey’s favorite things was driving, whether it be taking the motor home to Arizona and various camp grounds, or sitting behind the wheel of his grain truck. He would sit in his favorite room of our home, the sunroom, and root on his favorite NASCAR driver. He has many life-long friends….many who have traveled this journey with him during his illness. They were always there for us…..when we cried, a listening ear, the hugs, reading various scriptures that would uplift his soul.
His grandchildren were the “twinkle” in his eyes. They could do no wrong and he loved being their “Gramps”. He loved it when all would gather for special occasions. The second generation of Lee boy’s are another loving gift from God.
Dewey had only one regret in his life…..not being able to serve in the military. He always talked about his admiration of people who served including his own sons.
He faced his battle with cancer with bravery. He never complained about his pain and when family or friends would call, his words were always “I’m doing ok”. It’s hard to accept a devastating illness like cancer but Dewey believed in Joshua 1:9b “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Also, Romans 5:3-4 “….we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance – perseverance, character and character hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit whom He has given us.” Yes, this man was a faithful believer and never asked “why me”.
The family would like to thank Bryan Petersen. Bryan started the Awareness Bracelets that read “No One Fights Alone…..Dewey Lee”. Dewey was so touched by this beautiful loving, gesture. Our family and friends, nurses and people he really didn’t know wore these bracelets supporting Dewey as he battled this horrendous disease.
Dewey and Sam were blessed with a beautiful marriage and a loving family. Thanks be to God for the life they shared together. This was another of God’s many gifts that He gave our family. His love and memories will live forever in the hearts of his wife, his sons, his grandchildren, his brothers and their families, his extended family and his many treasured, devoted friends.
His parents preceded him in death. He leaves behind to cherish those special memories, his wife of 46 years, Sam, his sons and their families: Darren & Jenn, Dawson, Gabriel, and Samuel Lee; Derek & Amy, Travis Dewey Lee; and Dane and fiance Kasey, Marcus and Chandler Lee; his brothers: Lowell (Judy) Lee and Loren (Marlene) Lee and many other family members.
Dewey lived his life with respect and kindness for others. He let his actions speak for him, and was always one of the first in line to lend a helping hand. His smile and hugs were genuine. He was a gentle man with a faithful, loving heart. He truly has set an example for his children to follow. God has another great farmer in His Kingdom. Rest in peace, dear one…..rest in peace.