Richard "Dick" W. Lee, Jr. 1926-2004

OESCHGER, LEE

Posted By: michael (email)
Date: 7/28/2004 at 12:45:51

Richard “Dick” W. Lee Jr., 77, of 1500 Brookwood Drive died of cancer Monday, July 26, 2004. He died at home, as he wished, surrounded by his family.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, July30, 2004 at 10AM at St. Patrick’s Church with the Very Rev. Rudolph T. Juarez officiating. Burial will be at St. Joseph’s Cemetery with military rites provided by the American Legion, assisted by other military organizations. Friends may call on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Lensing Funeral and Cremation Service, Iowa City where a Parish Vigil Service will be held at 6:30 p.m. A luncheon in the parish hall will follow the committal service. Memorials may be directed to Iowa City Hospice or the Dick Lee Memorial Fund.

Dick was born October 14, 1926 in Iowa City, Iowa, the son of Richard and Martha Oeschger Lee Sr. He was a 1944 graduate of City High School and was chosen for the All- State High School football team by the Iowa Daily Press Association in 1943. He attended Notre Dame University on a football scholarship and served in the Army during World War II. He attended the University of Iowa. On February 12, 1955 Dick married Jan Cromer at St. Patrick’s in Iowa City.

Dick joined the Iowa City Police Department in 1950, became sergeant in 1955 and captain in 1958, a rank he kept until his retirement in 1982. While serving on the police force Dick was employed part time at the University of Iowa General Stores. Following retirement from the force this became a full-time position.

He was a lifelong member of St. Patrick’s Church. He was also a member of Marquette Council 842 of the Knights of Columbus and American Legion Post #17. He was named to the City High Hall of Fame in 1991 and would have attended his 60th class reunion this year.

Dick was known for his common sense approach to law enforcement. Going by the book, didn’t necessarily mean going by Dick Lee’s book. He always saw the bright side and not the dark side, and focused on the good in a person, even when it was often overlooked by others. He guided many young police officers in how to deal with the power of the “badge” and for that reason, the Iowa City Police Department established an award in his name which is given to an officer who represents Dick’s spirit of the law. On August 24, 1999 the Iowa City Council proclaimed “Dick Lee Day” in Iowa City.

For many Dick was easily recognized by his crew cut and the cigar tucked in the corner of his mouth. His family fondly remembers his role as Santa Claus at the Moose Lodge, the County Home and area churches. Dick enjoyed cooking his special ham for family gatherings, watching his grandchildren’s sports events, and his poker games.

Dick is survived by his wife Jan and their four children; Ellen Lee-Andino of Iowa City and her children Chris, Jon, Nic and Sara; Terry (Tom) Parker and their children Chad and Derek; Kelly Lee of Windham; Rick (Kathy) Lee of North Liberty and their children Joey and Shelly Mooney, Ricky, Lindsey, Timmy, and Emily Lee; three sister-in-laws; Marge Lee of Iowa City, Pat Lee of California and Marian Lee of Riverside; numerous nieces and nephews.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers Bob, Bill and Jack, and his beloved dog Beau.

On line condolences may be directed to www.lensingfuneral.com by clicking on obituaries/condolences.