LeRoy Robert Lee "Lee", age 89, passed away on August 20, 2024, at the Colfax Senior Living Center. He was born February 19, 1935, on his family farm in Ridgeland, WI to Clarence and Mary Lee. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Genevive (Bob) Klingbiel and Ethelyn (Harold) Siler. He is survived by his wife, Shelley Lee, children, Randy (Ann) Lee, Laura Lee and David (Jessica Taylor) Lee and grandchildren, Kyra (Erik) Long, Nisse Ramser, Darren Conover, Jennifer Ganong and Vinton Lee. He also has several nieces, nephews and great grandchildren. Lee was a kind and generous person who dedicated his life to teaching and improving education. He taught high school in Boyceville and Hawkins before teaching biology in Madison, WI where he formed the Biology Honor Society in the 1970's. Through the society he took students all over the United States so they could learn about the geology and ecology of that area. Many of his former students have stated he was the reason for their scientific and professional pursuits. After leaving his teaching position he became the executive director for the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters. While executive director, he received many grants and awards on behalf of the academy. He was instrumental in bringing the Frank Lloyd Wright Exhibit to the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center in Madison. And, at the same time, the academy established an art gallery that was also located at the convention center. He was both president and treasurer of the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA). During his time as treasurer with NSTA he guided boards and budget and finance committees through the rigors of the complex budget. He helped many teachers become active in the organization. He was also president of the state science teachers association (WSST); and he formed the Wisconsin Science Network to help further science education in WI. While he traveled the world, he always returned to his home - his beloved farm, known as Norwegian Woods Farm. It has been in his family for generations. He and his wife, Shelley, retired to the farm and loved life there. They enjoyed the wildlife they saw, identifying the many birds on their feeders and hoping to see bears out the window (and sometimes almost IN the window). They loved improving the farm, the farmland and planted many gardens for all to enjoy. Lee took pride in Ridgeland, the Ridgeland Area Library and the library's historical park all located just across the street from the Ridgeland Area Community Center. Staff at Colfax Senior Living and Interim HealthCare provided Lee with excellent care during the last year of his life. His family expresses their love and gratitude to both. His commemorative celebration will take place on September 29, 2024, at the Ridgeland Area Community Center, 200 Diamond St., Ridgeland, WI from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. with short remembrances given at 2:30 p.m. Sampson Funeral Home, Colfax is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.sampsonfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers Lee's family hopes that you will consider donating to the Ridgeland Area Library. Your donations will help establish a local scholarship fund and improve the library's resource center. Funds may be sent directly to the library at P.O. Box 216, Ridgeland, WI 54763 or to Security Bank, P.O. Box 156, Ridgeland, WI 54763.