Vincent Rue Lee, of rural Elsie, NE, passed away peacefully at Imperial Manor on February 20, 2024, at the age of 86.
Vincent was the fifth child born to Margaret and George Lee Sr. on November 11, 1937, at their home south of Elsie. He attended country school until the 8th grade and then went to Elsie High School, where he graduated in 1955.
It was during his school years that he met the love of his life, Patsy Courtney. He and Patsy wed on November 26, 1955, at Resurrection of Our Lord in Elsie. They moved south of Elsie, and from this union, four children were born: Daniel, Michael, Bradley, and Beverly (Susie).
Vince loved working with his brothers, and from that, Lee Brothers was formed. Vince enjoyed the cattle and livestock, farming and harvesting, and looked forward to each season and what it would bring. He loved being a farmer and watching everything grow. He was proud to get to work with his brothers, son, and grandson each day.
Vince was a big supporter of 4-H with his children and community. When Dan, Mike, Brad, and Susie were young, he and Patsy were 4-H leaders of the "Country Cousins" 4-H group. Many demonstrations and 4-H presentations were given in their living room. After his kids had aged out of 4-H, Vince became a Perkins County Fair Board member. He served proudly for 30 years. In 2002, Vince and Patsy were named the Perkins County Fair Grand Marshals.
Vince was a lifelong member of the Resurrection of Our Lord Catholic Church in Elsie. He served many years as a lector for the parish. He was also an avid singer and sang for several of his grandchildren's weddings. He loved singing "Ave Maria."
Vince loved a good story and a good laugh and would leave you with a smile. He took great pride in being a good neighbor to everyone. Vince was a devoted husband all the way to the end when Patsy passed away in June of 2007.
Vince was greeted in heaven by his wife of 51 years, Patsy, son Brad; grandsons Jared and Kevin Lee, brothers Jack, Jim, George, and Bill, and sister Regina; parents Margaret & George Sr; Father-in-Law Dick Courtney; Mother-in-Law Mary Courtney and Brothers-in-Law Fritz Duggan and Jim Longcor.
Left to carry on his legacy are his children Daniel (Patti) Lee of Elsie, NE., Michael (Karla) Lee of Glenrock, WY., Ellen Lee of Glenrock, WY., and Susie Lee of Torrington, WY. Grandchildren: Justin (Kelly) Loeffler, Casey (Tristan) Lee, Mitch (Ryan) Lee, Jennifer (Jade) Reimers, Tara Smith, Courtney (Stetson) Ostrander, Michelle (Aaron) Knoll, Jason (Morgan) Lee, Tyler, Ryan (McKenzie), Adam, Kyle, Linda (Zac) King. Great grandchildren: Isabelle & Hayden Loeffler, Ada, Ruby, and Xavier Lee, Taven & Harper Reimers, Bradley & Charlie Smith, Tenley & Jensen Ostrander, Gabriel Knoll, Ryken Lee, Oaklee, Harlynn, & Radlee King; sisters-in-Law Janet Lee, Joan Duggan, Diane Smith, Connie Wilson; and his incredibly special friend of 16 years Norma Mayer; and numerous nieces, nephews and many lifelong friends.
A memorial has been established in Vincent's memory to the Perkins County 4H. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com, where the Mass will be streamed live.
Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at 10 a.m. at Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church in Grant with Father Bernard Lorenz as Celebrant. Interment will be in the Fairview Cemetery at Grant.
Visitation will be on Friday, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Bullock-Long Funeral Home in Grant. The Rosary will be recited on Saturday at 9 a.m. at the church.
Bullock-Long Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.