Charles Lee

Charles "Charlie" Jonathan Lee, 57, of Red Wing, died Thursday, Oct. 6, 2011 at his residence, following a lengthy illness. He was born May 17, 1954 in Caledonia, Minnesota, to Robert E. and Priscilla (Chaney) Lee. He graduated from Caledonia High School in 1972, the University of Minnesota in 1976 and Marquette University Law School in 1979. He was admitted to the Bar in Wisconsin and Minnesota and had a private practice at Hale's Corners, Wisconsin. He was in private practice and was a public defender in West Salem, Wisconsin. In 1983 he married Julie Sidie and they later divorced. While in Red Wing, he had a private practice and was a public defender. He also did volunteer legal work in Red Wing and was named 1993's outstanding volunteer attorney in Goodhue County. He had been a member of the Red Wing Country Club, the Minnesota Bar Association, and had been former president of the First District Bar Association. He was a member of the Red Wing Elks Lodge BPOE #845 and was an avid golfer, skier and outdoorsman.

He is survived by his children, Jack and Alyssa Lee; mother, Priscilla Lee; sisters, Carol and Georgia Lee all of Red Wing; an uncle, Walter Lee of Northfield, aunts, Geraldine Lee of Caledonia and Katherine Lee of Eugene, Oregon, many cousins and wonderful friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, The Right Honorable Robert E. Lee, Judge of District Court, Third District of Minnesota; aunts, uncles and grandparents.

Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11 at First Lutheran Church, Red Wing, with Reverend Brian Scott officiating. Private burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Monday at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel, Red Wing, and for one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials preferred to the Sandra J. Schulze American Cancer Society Hope Lodge-Rochester, MN or donor's choice.