Lee E. Wolter

   Lee Erwin Wolter, 69, of Detroit Lakes passed away unexpectedly at home on April 11, 2020.

   Lee was born on June 29, 1950, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Fargo to Erwin and Mildred (Johnson) Wolter of Moorhead, Minnesota. Lee grew up in Moorhead and spent his summers at Pelican Lake. He graduated from Moorhead High School in 1968 and continued on to receive his Bachelor’s degree from Moorhead State College (now Minnesota State University-Moorhead). After graduating, Lee worked with his father at their business, Northland Associates. Later on, he worked for the Detroit Lakes City Parks and drove school bus for Olander’s until the time of his death. Lee was married to Debra (Smedstad) Orum on August 26, 1995, and they lived on Cotton Lake. Debra later passed away in 2003.

   Lee was remembered for his thoughtfulness, witty sense of humor, and big hugs. He loved spending time with his family and friends, and he found great joy in being a grandpa to Beau and Evan and uncle to Halli. Lee also enjoyed celebrating holidays and birthdays, and he always remembered to call and sing “Happy Birthday.” Along with special occasions, Lee treasured cousin get-togethers, where there was lots of laughter and the sharing of fond memories. Some of his favorite pastimes were fishing in all seasons, listening to music, playing online Scrabble and other games with family and friends, and traveling.

   Lee is greatly missed and survived by his sister, Vicki (Russ) Heimbuch, their daughter, Halli (Pelican Rapids, MN); step-daughter, Emily (Mike) Badger, their sons, Beau and Evan (Rochester, MN); special friend, Renae Snyder (Walla Walla, WA), and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Debra.

   A Memorial Service Celebrating Lee’s life will take place at the Long Lake Park shelter in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, on Saturday, October 17, 2020, at 2 P.M. There will be picnic tables to sit at, but please feel free to bring your own chair for extra distancing. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity. COVID-19 safety pre-cautions will be practiced by wearing face masks and using physical distancing.