Ivan “Ike” Lyle Lee

Ivan “Ike” Lyle Lee was born on April 11, 1925, to Benjamin Harrison and Amanda Elizabeth (Nelson) Lee in Fairview Township, Shelby County, Iowa. He was educated in rural Shelby County schools through the ninth grade. Ike was united in marriage on March 13, 1948, to Bernice Mae Schultz at the Presbyterian Church in Avoca, Iowa. Nine children were born to this union: Richard, Larry, Janet, Nancy, Roger, Robert, Marcia, Carol, and Raymond. After their marriage, they moved to the family farm in Fairview Township. Ike truly enjoyed farming, and the family farm was named a Century Farm in 1990. He also did custom hay baling and corn shelling.

Ike and Bernice served as 4-H leaders when their children were young. In the 1970’s, Ike operated Lee’s Lunch Wagon at area auctions. During the early 1980’s, he owned the Victoria Station restaurant in Harlan, Iowa. Ike enjoyed spending time with his family, vacationing, camping, and playing cards.

Ivan “Ike” Lee died on Tuesday, August 31, 2010, at the Elm Crest Retirement Community in Harlan, Iowa, at the age of 85 years, 4 months, and 20 days.

Ivan was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 47 years, Bernice Lee, on June 26, 1995; two infant sons, Larry Lee and Roger Lee; one daughter, Nancy Schoening; one grandson, Richard Lee, Jr.; two brothers, Dale Lee and Kenneth “Bob” Lee; and one sister Ethyl Lee; and many cousins and friends.

He is survived by six children, Richard (Pat) Lee and Janet (Ric) Schneider, both of Avoca, Iowa, Dr. Robert (Liz) of Urbandale, Iowa, Marcia (Ken) Woodraska of Oelwein, Iowa, Carol (Pat) Keenan of Mason City, Iowa, and Raymond Lee of Council Bluffs, Iowa; one son-in-law, Terry Schoening of Council Bluffs, Iowa; one sister, Hazel (Dale) Bussow of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; one sister-in-law, Dorothy Ann Carroll of Harlan, Iowa; one brother-in-law, Dr. Roy Schultz of Avoca, Iowa; 14 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, September 7, 2010, at Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa, with Rev. Diana Holland of Altamont Baptist Church in rural Shelby County, Iowa, officiating. Casket bearers were Ryan Lee, Alex Lee, Chris Lee, Eric Woodraska, Kyle Woodraska, Jeremy Schneider, and Jason Schneider. Burial was in the Cuppy’s Grove Cemetery in rural Shelby County. The Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home in Harlan was in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left online at www.burmeisterjohannsen.com.