LeRoy "Lee" Athey

LeRoy "Lee" Athey, 70, Moose Lake died peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, July 9, 2009 in Mercy Hospital, Moose Lake. He was born on July 29, 1938 in Armstrong, Iowa to Walter and Reva Athey. Lee grew up in Finlayson and attended school in Sandstone graduating in 1956. In June of 1956, Lee entered the Army and served in the 82nd Airborne Division. He later attended St. Cloud State. On June 16, 1961, Lee married Linda Ploeger in Duluth. Lee continued attending St. Cloud State and graduated with his B.S. in Education. He taught school in Wabasso for a couple of years before moving to Moose Lake in 1965 where he taught Business at Moose Lake High School until retiring in 1996. While teaching at Moose Lake, Lee earned his M.S. in Education from UWS in Superior. He also was the Assistant Football Coach, Assistant Basketball Coach, and had coached Track and Golf. Lee also served on the Moose Lake City Council and was a member of the Moose Lake United Methodist Church where he served on the Administrative Council. After retirement, Lee and Linda wintered in Arizona for over ten years. He enjoyed walking and also loved to hike with his brother Marvin in Arizona. One of Lee's greatest passions was the game of golf. He managed the Moose Lake Golf Course for several summers and after his retirement had also worked as Associate Head Golf Professional at the Ridgeview Country Club with his son, Jim. During his golfing career, Lee scored 6 hole in one's, was a three time winner of the Moose Lake Short Stop, three time winner of the Moose Lake Senior Club Championship, and a six time winner of the Moose Lake Golf Course Club Champion. His most prized victory that he cherished the most was a Gamper's Tournament Victory with his sons, Jim & David, brother: Marvin, and nephew: Rich. Lee also loved to deer hunt with his family and the Youso's and he enjoyed ice fishing and his trips to Mille Lacs Lake.

Lee is preceded in death by his parents: Walter and Reva Athey.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 48 years, Linda; two sons: Jim and wife Lisa of Duluth and David and wife Kathleen Anderson of Palm Beach, FL; three grandchildren: Brody, Vanessa, and Alexa; his great granddaughter: Mackenzie; two brothers: Dwaine and wife Beth of Mountain Home, AR and Marvin and wife Bonnie of Cambridge; a sister: Jan and husband Gary Koland of Finlayson; and numerous friends.

Visitation was held from 8:30 until 10:30 am services Saturday, July 11, 2009 in the Moose Lake United Methodist Church, Moose Lake. Pastor Lee Kantonen and Father Eamonn Boland officiated. Casket Bearers were Greg Gamst, Jerry Gobel, Mike Youso, Steve Youso, Chuck Sprado, and John Mortensbak. Honorary Bearers were Bob Johnson, Doug Mackey, and Randy Moder. He is now reunited with his "Friends in Heaven": Father Michael Hayes, Bob Youso, and Skip Hansen. Cremation did follow the service with private family inurnment in Spring Park Cemetery, Sandstone.

Arrangements by Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.