Marlene Elaine Lee

Marlene Elaine Lee, age 83, of Stillwater, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on December 16th, 2025, after several months of declining health. She was surrounded by family, dear friends, and the truly angelic care of the Oak Ridge staff and Lakeview Hospice team, whose compassion and kindness meant so much to her and to those who loved her.

Marlene was a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was genuine, kind, spirited, and wonderfully social with a good sense of humor and an ability to find joy in life’s simplest pleasures. Few things made her happier than a mug of really hot coffee, a good cookie, and someone to share them with.

Marlene was born in Prairie Farm, Wisconsin, one of four children born to Archie and Adrie Westlund. After losing both parents at a very young age, Marlene and her twin sister, Marlys, were lovingly raised by their older sister, Evelyn “Evie” Peterson—a role that shaped Marlene’s lifelong appreciation for family.

Marlene graduated from Prairie Farm High School in 1960 and later met her husband, LeRoy Lee, there. After marrying, they moved to New Richmond, Wisconsin, where LeRoy became the high school band director and Marlene began her career at 3M in St. Paul, Minnesota, working as a data processor. Together they welcomed two daughters, Molly and Penny. In 1980, they moved their family to Spokane, Washington for a short term adventure, but then returned to Wisconsin when LeRoy took the high school band director job in River Falls, Wisconsin, and Marlene returned to 3M. Though Marlene and LeRoy later divorced, they remained kind and supportive of one another due to the love they had for their daughters, by successfully sharing the space at family events and celebrations throughout the years.

After retiring from 3M, Marlene began what she fondly referred to as her “second career” with Washington County Human Services in Oakdale, Minnesota, working as a mental health aide providing in-home support to those in need. Following a “second retirement,” Marlene found her perfect role as a Walmart greeter in Oak Park Heights—a job she took very seriously and absolutely loved. She delighted in welcoming customers, striking up conversations, and showing off her “festive, most of the time “over the top” seasonally themed outfits and accessories.” Marlene thrived on being around people and continued working at Walmart until the age of 81.

Though she never considered herself athletic, Marlene very much enjoyed golfing and could often be found watching golf, basketball, baseball or football on television. An avid sports spectator, she famously transitioned from cheering for the Packers to the Vikings after moving from River Falls, Wisconsin, to Oakdale, Minnesota—much to her daughters’ dismay. Regardless of the team, Marlene always rooted for the underdogs. (Which might have explained her switch to the Vikings!)

Nothing, however, brought Marlene greater pride or joy than her three grandchildren. She thought of them as “brave” in everything they did and was endlessly interested in hearing about their education, sports, jobs, travels, their friends and adventures. They inspired her to get an iPhone so she could text, receive photos, and stay connected—occasionally delivering an accidental “butt dial” that became a sweet and unintended expression of love and laughter!

Music was a constant and joyful presence throughout Marlene’s life. She loved singing with her twin sister, going to music events, singing in church and community choirs, and attending her children’s and grandchildren’s musical performances. Her musical favorites included polka, barbershop, church hymns, every song by John Denver, and—above all—Christmas music. When she heard “Silent Night,” “Away in the Manger” or “Joy to the World” she would say it was her “favorite song” until the next song would play, and then that song would turn into her “favorite song.” We believe that Marlene is now peacefully singing with a choir of angels in the wonders of his love during this Christmas season.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, Archie and Adrie Westlund; her sister, Evelyn “Evie” Peterson; her brother, Carl Westlund; and her son-in-law, Rhone Hamilton. She is survived by her two “girlies,” as she lovingly called them: Molly (Eric) Roeske and Penny Hamilton; her cherished grandchildren, Grace Lee Roeske, Veda Lee Roeske, and Roman Lee Hamilton; her twin sister, Marlys (Dennis) Grivna of Rice Lake, Wisconsin; her nieces and nephews; her beloved kitty, Pumba; the Roeske family, who always graciously included her in family gatherings; and her dear friends at Oak Ridge Place, with whom she shared daily meals and lively Bingo games on Mondays, Wednesdays, and every other Saturday.

A visitation (to include really hot coffee and good cookies) will be held on Saturday, December 27th, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Bradshaw Funeral Home, 2800 Curve Crest Boulevard, Stillwater, Minnesota.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Marlene’s memory to Oak Ridge Place Apartments (6060 Oxboro Avenue North, Stillwater, MN 55082) to support resident activities and social events, or to the Lakeview Health Foundation, in care of Lakeview Hospice, Homecare and Palliative Care Fund (927 Churchill Street West, Stillwater, MN 55082), so that they may continue providing the exceptional care to others that they so lovingly gave to Marlene.