William D. Lee (1934-2018)

LEE, PHELPS, BLAESS

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 4/14/2018 at 19:16:40

Obituary From Adams Soderstrum Funeral Home, Story County, Iowa.

William D. Lee
February 5, 1934 - April 9, 2018

The story of Bill began 84 years ago as son of the water. Playing In the creek as a child, rowing on Storm Lake as a young man, sailing across the oceans of the world as a proud Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy and fishing from a hand built wood canoe as a grandfather. It has been said that we as humans are made of 90% water. Bill was all of that. The very best part of that. As clear and original and as unique as each wave that laps the shore. It would be a natural extension that he should also paint in watercolors. Paintings as soft and expressive as he was. Insightful, original, award-winning and lasting.

Bill was recognized as a Signature Member of the Transparent Watercolor Society of America and several state Watercolor Societies. He received blue ribbons at the Iowa State Fair and his paintings are treasured in many private and public collections.

A true craftsman unique to the craft he made it all. Furniture, flintlocks rifles, a home, a family and a book full of memories. The home was created with his love, his wife, Ramona. The book written with his brother Dick is a best seller in the collection of his family. It is an adventure of life as Mark Twain would have done had he created illustrations rather that writing. The treasure that remains from the chapters of his life includes his loving wife Ramona. Sons Rich (Molly) and Doug (Cindy). Angels Stacy (David Phelps) and Amy (Mike Blaess). And the jeweled pages they each have created in their own books. Grandchildren Chris, Matt, Holly, Maria, Kathryn, Lindsey, Andrew, Kiley, Jackson and Alison.

It may be true that we are no more and no better than what we leave behind. If that is the full measure of life then we have successfully arrived. Welcome to the reward Bill. You have earned it.

Flowers are beautiful, but it would honor Bill more to have all memorials made out to the Ames Miracle Playground and Ballfield in his name.

A Mass of Christian Burial
Thursday 12 Apr 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
St. Cecilia Catholic Church
2900 Hoover Ave
Ames, IA 50010

Committal Service
Thursday 12 Apr 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Ames Municipal Cemetery
310 E. 9th Street
Ames, Iowa 50010

http://www.adamssoderstrum.com/
 

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