Edward "Ed" James Lee

Edward “Ed” James Lee died peacefully with his daughter by his side on Sunday, September 6, 2020 in South Haven, MI at the age of 95.  Ed is survived by his daughter Donna White, and grandkids Justin and Joel Lehman. He is preceded in death by his wife Joan Lee (Rentschler).  

Ed was born on November 25, 1925 in South Norwalk, CT to Edward Lee Sr. and Harriet (Benedict) Lee. He graduated from Penn State University in 1948 with a degree in Mining Engineering. He married Joan Rentschler, the love of his life, a Home Economics major in June of 1948.  After moving to Scranton, PA Ed began working in construction and later as a coal miner.  Ed and Joan during this time welcomed their only daughter Donna Lee into their lives. Donna remembers her father as a caring, hardworking, and intelligent man who helped instill these same characteristics in her, which set her up for success in her future professions in research and medicine.

Ed finished his Navy career as a Lieutenant Commander, and used the skills learned in the military to great success later in the Steel Industry.  He became an international consultant for US Steel living in Genoa, Italy, Yugoslavia, and Bilbao Spain.  His job was to advise US Steel mills in these countries on their processes, however, he also put his engineering skills to further use developing a patent for a ring attachment to the Bop Vessel.  Ed and his wife Joan (his affectionately named Travel Planner) were also passionate about traveling.  Some of their highlights were a ride on the Orient Express, eating Christmas dinner at Harrods of London, and flying on one of the initial flights of the Concord from France to the U.S.  Later in life, they moved back stateside to be closer to family, but not before a stop in Naples, FL where Ed enjoyed fishing outside of their condo each day.  In 2011 Ed’s wife Joan passed, which led Ed to his final stop at River Ridge in South Haven.  Here he spent his final years being well taken care of by the caretakers of River Ridge, and enjoying the company of his daughter, grandkids, and great grandchildren.  

Ed is now reunited with his wife Joan and will be remembered for all of the above, and more so, for all the love he had for his daughter and family.  He was a great man, who lived a full life, traveled the world, and loved his family.