March 30, 1940 – Feb. 27, 2025
Jerry E. Lee, 84, of Rochester, passed away at home unexpectantly in the early morning hours of Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025.
On March 30, 1940, Jerry was born in Winamac to Earl K. "Juggie" and Lauretta M. Combs Lee. Proudly, he graduated from Rochester High School with the Class of 1958. He continued his education at Purdue University.
On March 27, 1959, Jerry married the love of his life, Miss Barbara Jean Werner. They shared 65 years of life’s adventures. From their union came two handsome sons and the blessings of two more generations with grandchildren and a great-grandson added to the family tree.
With a strong work ethic, Jerry worked for Public Service, now known as Duke Energy, as a revered foreman/supervisor of the line crew. In the early years, he was a member of the Rochester Rotary, Jaycees and the Mentone Flying Club.
As a gifted photographer, Jerry liked to get the best angle of his subjects. Flying kites and swimming were also a passion. He taught many kids how to swim. Jerry enjoyed working with wood and carved unique figurines. With a love of sports, he cheered for the Cubs, Bears, Purdue Boilermakers and the Notre Dame girl's basketball team. Barb and Jerry could often be seen driving around the area in his laser blue Mazda Miata convertible.
Left to cherish Jerry's memory are his wife Barbara; two sons, Nik E. Lee and wife Laura Winans Lee, of Glen Ellyn, Ill., Arik Dean Lee and wife Debb, of Rochester; three grandchildren, Madeleine Skura and husband Matt, Nathaniel Lee and wife Molly Henry Lee, Tanner J. Lee and wife Stephanie; great-grandson, Frank J. Skura, 2 ½ years old.
Preceding Jerry in death are his parents, brother, Jay Lee, two grandchildren, Nathan Lee and Darin Lee.
A celebration of the life of Jerry E. Lee will be from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, 2025, in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St. Rochester. A private family burial will take place at a later date at the Rochester IOOF Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Camp We Can, 2567 E. 500 North, Rochester, IN 46975. Online expressions of sympathy may be made to his family at www.goodfamilyfh.com.
