Fern V. Lee

BORKOWSKI, FRAHM, LEE, LUEHMANN

Posted By: Cindy (email)
Date: 10/27/2025 at 18:19:55

Fern V. Lee, age 92, of Brandon, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Thorton Manor Nursing Home in Lansing, Iowa.

Fern was born on March 20, 1933, in Lewiston, Minnesota, the daughter of Anton and Estella (Frahm) Luehmann. She grew up in rural Minnesota and graduated from Winona High School in 1951. Following graduation, Fern began working at J.R. Watkins Co. in Winona, where she met the love of her life, Alfred Lee. The two quickly fell in love and was united in marriage on February 28, 1953.

They moved from Minnesota to Illinois, and later to Iowa. They did various jobs during that time, such as farming, managing a service station, office work for various companies, and provided in-home care.

In 1972, the Lee family put down roots near Lamont, Iowa, purchasing a farm where they raised their four children. Fern was a dedicated mother who loved sewing, caring for her children, and helping with farm work.

In 1982, the family transitioned from farming and moved to an acreage in Otterville, IA, where they raised horses and spent many joyful years trail riding with friends in the area. Retiring from farming didn’t stop Fern’s work. In 1985, Al and Fern purchased “Professional Cleaners” a dry-cleaning business in Oelwein, IA, and operated it for several years. Fern was skilled seamstress, and put her skills to work, providing alteration services for many people in the area.

Fern was a member of the VFW Auxiliary in Independence, and served as the treasurer, and president for few years.

She had volunteered countless hours throughout the community in many different organizations. Often volunteering their horses and wagons to many community events throughout eastern Iowa.

Fern had a strong heart for her faith. Her deep love for her family, animals, and friends. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her daughter, Laura Lee of Brandon, IA; her son, Leslie Lee (Jamie Mason) of Otterville, IA; daughters-in-law Debra Lee and Charli Lee, both of Independence, IA; eleven grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Fern was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Alfred; two sons, Ron and Lorne Lee; a sister, Virgil Borkowski, and brother Lincoln Luehmann.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Reiff Family Center – Funeral Home & Crematory in Independence, IA. Visitation will take place prior to the service, beginning at 9:00 AM. Fern will be laid to rest at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Hazelton, IA.

Memorials may be directed to the family.