Bee, Michael C. 1954-2020

BEE, OLSON, SHELBY

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 10/17/2020 at 15:12:22

Michael Charles Bee, 66, of Monona, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, October 7, 2020, at Vernon Memorial Hospital in Viroqua, Wisconsin.

A loving husband and caring father, Michael gifted a sense of adventure to every person he came across. He found humor in everyday life, helped those in need, and made the world a more joyful place to be.

Michael was born February 17, 1954, to George and Fern (Olson) Bee in St. Paul, Minnesota. He graduated from North Crawford High School in Gays Mills, Wisconsin, where he played basketball and (almost) made it to the state championship. Michael forged lifelong friendships while growing up in the Kickapoo River Valley and gained an avid appreciation of nature, fishing, and exploring the great outdoors.

Michael married Christine Shelby on June 16, 1979 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Hampton, Iowa. They welcomed four children into the world. Among the many life lessons Michael instilled in his children, one of the most important was to take pride in your work, and the satisfaction of a job well done. Michael exemplified that in his career as a master cheesemaker for Swiss Valley Farms.

Surviving Michael are his wife, Christine Bee of Monona, Iowa; his children, Bridgette (Sailota) Banda of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Lucas (Katrina) Bee of Indianola, Iowa, Meagan (Levi) Hammell of Waukon, Iowa, and Ian Bee of Fairfield, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Arabella, Rowan, Wyatt, Gabriel, Rhys, Oliver, and Gemma; sister Mary Jo (Greg) Pitts of Eugene, Oregon, twin sister, Michelle (Mike) Goebel of Viroqua, Wisconsin, brother, Richard (Sandra) Bee of Madison, Wisconsin; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Fern Bee.

A private family funeral service will be held at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home in Monona, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Monona Butterfly Garden, Clayton County Conservation Board and Crawford County Conservation Board.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Monona, Iowa, is assisting the family with arrangements.