Daniel (Dan) George Lee, 89, a resident of Mukwonago, WI, formerly of Mt. Prospect IL, Des Plaines IL and McAllen, TX, passed away Sunday, June 28, 2026 in Mukwonago, WI surrounded by family. He was born October 1, 1936 in Cherokee, IA to Rev. Donald and Ruth Lee.

Despite challenges with albinism and associated low vision, Dan attended a sight-saving program beginning in fifth grade, where he discovered possibilities rather than limitations. He loved music and played piano, Hammond organ, accordion, and cello. Dan even became a Ham Radio Operator FCC WN9GMC worldwide and used Morse code.

Faith anchored Dan from early childhood. Saved at 12, he never remembered a time when church wasn’t part of his life. His belief and compassion for others were steady, and he taught by example. His favorite Bible verse is John 3:16-17, and his favorite hymns are What a Friend we have in Jesus and When we all get to Heaven, all of which reflected the hope he always carried.

On March 3, 1956, Daniel married the love of his life, Barbara Dee Bedell at the Berkshire Hotel in Pittsfield, MA. This began a 70-year partnership filled with love, laughter, and shared purpose. Together, they built a family defined by faith, loyalty, and resilience.

Dan’s professional life was defined by service, continued growth, and unrelenting perseverance. He began as a foreman in a steel mill manufacturing plant, but his eagerness to learn and overcome challenges led him to become a self-taught electrician and handyman. In fact, he built his family home himself with only the help of friends. Dan was a leader in every setting, as building Superintendent at the Lattof YMCA (formerly the Northwest Suburban YMCA), acting as the Director of Properties and Purchasing for the YMCA of metro Chicago, spearheading advancements in resources for the visually impaired for LeeMidwest, founding and leading the establishment of Power Engineers Institute of Technology (PEIT) which graduated 20,000 over time, acting as the director of the industrial program at the Chicago Lighthouse, and receiving numerous awards and national recognition in engineering. Even in retirement, he continued contributing, mentoring, and encouraging others.

Dan’s legacy is not only in the work he accomplished, but in the gentleness he brought to every interaction, the humor he shared, the inspiration he delivered, and the love he gave freely. He was a man who made life better simply by being in it.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara; two loving children, David Lee (Vicky) and Debra Lee; two brothers, Richard Lee (Cathy) and Mark Lee (Glenda); grandchildren, Justin Kelly, Daniell Strain (Jeremy), Kristin St. Louis, Shannon Lee (Joe DeRooi), and Eric Lee (Samantha); and great grandchildren, Colton, Clayton, Owen, Thomas, and Oliver.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, brother James Lee (Charlotte), daughter Christine Beth Lee, sister-in-law Mary Lee, and nephew David Moon.

Gathering for celebration of life will be 1 to 3 PM and service at 3 PM on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at Fox River Christian Church North Campus, 831 W. Moreland Blvd., Waukesha, WI 53189.

Additional memorial services will be held at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 504 James St, Callender, IA 50523. Interment will follow at the Callender Cemetery in Callender IA.  TBA

In Lieu of flowers he requested to make a donation to the Chicago lighthouse or Fox River Christian Church.