Obituary
Jon Robert Lee
Jon Robert Lee, 54, of Coon Valley, Wisconsin passed away July 24th, 2021, peacefully in his home.
Jon was born in La Crosse on January 8th, 1967, to Joie Lee and Robert Lee. He spent his childhood on the Lee farm in Coon Valley and graduated from Westby Area High School in 1985. After attending Western Technical College, he spent some time on the road working for a photography company where he had the opportunity to travel across the United States. He then returned to Wisconsin where he attended the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse where he earned his degree in Elementary Education. During his time at UWL he met the love of his life, Breta. Jon and Breta were married on June 10th, 1995, and began their lives together. Soon after, they signed a contract to teach overseas which brought them to Doha, Qatar. Together they traveled the world. With his camera in hand, Jon traveled to many countries including the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Egypt, Europe, and Australia, to name a few.
Jon and Breta welcomed their first child, Emma Kali Ann Lee, in June 1999 in La Crosse, Wisconsin and their second child, Eva Katherine Lee, in Manila, Philippines in October of 2001. After living in the Philippines for four years, Jon, Breta and the girls settled on the Lee farm in Coon Valley, Wisconsin.
Jon’s love for photography started in high school and eventually became a lifelong business. Jon photographed everything from weddings and senior portraits to landscapes and nature scenes. Jon’s photos were published countless times in newspapers and magazines and were often accompanied by an original story written by him. Jon was an incredible artist. He learned how to make pottery in the Philippines and continued to grow as an artist when he returned to Wisconsin. His pottery was admired and purchased by many at art fairs and local shops through the years.
Jon was very proud of his hunting heritage. You could often find Jon on the trout stream fishing, on the rock hunting deer, trapping beaver, turkey hunting, and mushroom hunting. Jon was an avid outdoorsman and cherished his time in nature. Along with him on many hunting or fishing adventures were knives that he made by hand.
Jon was a teacher by nature and loved to share his knowledge with everyone. He shared his love for hunting, fishing, farming and the outdoors with his friends and family. His love for photography and pottery will be carried on by his two daughters, Emma and Eva, who he shared his expertise with.
Jon is survived by his wife, Breta Lee, his daughters Emma and Eva Lee, his mother, Joie Lee, and his sister, Tashi Lee. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Lee.
The Lee family would like to thank the hospice care team at Mayo in La Crosse and all family and friends for their love and support.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, August 1st, 2021, from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm at the Coon Valley American Legion Hall. All are welcome to attend and celebrate the life of Jon Lee.
Breta, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you, the girls, and his other family and friends. I have always cherished my potters pieces from Jon and now they just became even more special. Hugs to you all.
Sincere sympathy to the friends and family of this incredible man.
Jon’s talents were seen in the cherished photos he took, the beautiful art he created and in the impacts he made in the classrooms he taught in. However- none were cherished more than his family. ♥️
Blessings and heartfelt condolences Lee Family ?
To the Lee family: We are so saddened to hear about Mr. Lee’s passing. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Mr. Lee was our teacher in the Philippines — We are truly blessed to have have been taught and inspired by such a wonderful person. Mr. Lee encouraged us to have good character, embrace our individuality, and be creative. Mr. Lee gave us a joyous childhood, and we were always eager to go to school. He was so patient and encouraging, and he made sure every child felt included. Our parents always reminded us that we were lucky to have Mr. and Mrs. Lee as role models.
It is because of Mr. Lee that we became fond of art. He generously gave his time to develop our creativity. At our home in India, we have prints of photos he took, ceramics he made and gifted us, and paintings we made in his class. These items bring back so many lovely memories — from Silent Sustained Reading, to pirate-themed parties, to singing songs by Raffi.
We are honored to know the Lee family and fortunate to have been taught by them. We will miss Mr. Lee, but the impact he had on his students will continue. Thank you, Mr. Lee, for everything you did for us and taught us. – Hardev and Rajdev Brar
Breta and girls, so very sorry for your loss
Breta, we are so sorry to learn of Jon’s passing. Our heart goes out to you and the children.
Our condolences & prayers,
Gary, Sunee, Alex & Lila
We are so sorry for your loss. John was a great man and very talented. Please take care and we are praying for you all.
Tanya and Jerome Dickman
Breta, Emma & Eva, We are so sorry for your tremendous loss. Jon will be greatly missed. <3
Jon was a great teacher. My kids, Ben and Becky, learned so much from him when he judged their 4H photography entries at the La Crosse County fair. He always had such an amazing indepth perspective. Prayers to the Lee family.
Your smile will be missed. I appreciated your kindness and always enjoyed our conversations when we would bump into each other at ski jump! Peace out Jon
Dearest Jon. This really breakes my heart and there is no words for what we are feeling at this moment. Our hearts go out to Breta and the girls and the rest of the family and friends. Never ever did we think that our visit in 2019 would be the last time we saw you. Thank you so much for having us and the things you did for us. ♥️ When we got to hear a week ago that you were ill , I could not believe it. From the first time I met you in 1993 you have always had a special place in my heart. You and Breta. Always welcoming and full of life and stuff to do. Impulsive and fun to be around. We will miss you Jon. ♥️?♥️ Rest in peace cousin, may the angels throw you a great party. We`ll meet again. ?
We are so very sorry for your great loss.
With deepest sympathy, The Vatland’s
Thoughts and prayers to the Lee family. Jon was a childhood friend who will be dearly missed. I am grateful for the time we spent as kids and talking with Jon recently when I was home. I will cherish the many coffee mugs that he made and always think of him when on the stream or in the woods.
I would like to send my deepest condolences to the Lee family for this loss.
Mr. Lee was my teacher during 3rd and 4th grade. He is the main reason I went on to love art and pursue my degree in photography. He had a huge impact on me creatively and personally- I embrace that art is everywhere because he planted that thought when I was just 8 years old. To this day when I create or am out taking photos, I think of him. I dye fabric in my backyard and think about when we would mix bougainvillea petals with water and muddle them together to create beautiful natural ink for watercolor. I am reminded of him when I see turmeric in the spice aisle at the grocery store and wonder how that would look mixed with a little water on some watercolor paper or linen. I am pleased to know that he continued sharing this great spirit after departing from the Philippines.
Sending lots of love and care during this time of healing.
-Sofia Hardy
We’re heartbroken to have lost our dear cousin Jon. He accomplished much in his short life and had talent, energy and capacity to do still more. We send our deepest sympathies to Jon’s family and friends in Coon Valley and beyond.
Dear Breta and Girls – My favorite photgraph was one that Jon took of Alan, Aaron, Phoebe and Bjorn when he was at the farm dehorning some of your cattle. I have it on my bookshelf in my office where I look at it everyday and am reminded of how very blessed I am. That’s what that photo means to me. Jon had a unique outlook on the world and his sense of humor was so delightful. Know that rough days are ahead as you adjust to this great loss in your life. Lean on Jesus – there is nothing he does not know about – including your sorrow.
We are so very sorry for your loss! I am so glad I had the chance to get to know Jon and carry his beautiful photos here at Down A Country Road Gift Shops. He was always so cheerful and full of energy and optimism, living a full and busy life. I have always been so proud of the 3 Amish boys photo/postcard that we had done in collaboration with Jon, and now will especially treasure it! His love of life will carry on in so many memories. May he Rest In Peace and May God wrap his arms around you all as you grieve the loss of an awesome man. Kathy & Chuck Kuderer
Deepest sympathies to you and your family. Jon trapped many beavers by our farm. Have known Josie and the family for years.
Breta, Emma and Eva, We are so sorry to hear of Jon’s passing. We have such fond memories of you all from IRRI (the Philippines). You made the both the community and a small special school even more special. We still have some of Jon’s pictures of the kids – what a special talent he had. We are thinking of and praying for you all. Mark and Renee
What a huge loss for this World. Jon was such an advocate and friend to everyone. Hugs to Breta, the girls, and the whole Lee Family. My heart is broken for you all. RIP Jon-you we’re loved well.
Wow, I knew Jon was talented, but he had more talents than I knew. On our softball team at IRRI in the Philippines, he knocked more than a few balls out of the park, so he was a good athlete as well. When he came to the plate, everyone in the field would move way back and sometimes he still hit them over everyone’s head! And thanks to Jon and Breta for being great teachers to our children. You were always funny and caring and made learning fun. We will always have such fond memories of those times together in the Philippines (and also seeing you in Wisconsin).
You have our deepest sympathies Breta, Emma and Eva.
David and Marieju
Breta, Emma and Eva.
Sincere condolences on the loss of Jon. Jon would always talk to me and we would laugh about how we would seem to run into each other at different schools… most recently at Brookwood. I enjoyed talking with him as we shared different thoughts as to what was coming up or currently going on. Jon’s speciality is his uniqueness as an individual, his caring, and his politeness.
God Bless Jon and God Bless Breta and Family.
Breta, Emma & Eva-You have our deepest sympathy for your loss. Jon lived his life to the fullest and will be missed by many. Mike & Clarice
So sad to hear this news. Jon did a piece on my grandfather Ernie Tande for the Our Wisconsin magazine on hobos. Very nice man. We still have the photo hanging of my grandpa. He really enjoyed Jon’s company. Thinking of your family.
There are no words, simply no words. I remember the day Jason told us about Jon, Breta and the girls. The first thing he said was they had an “Emma and Eva” just like he did. The next thing he said was Jon and Breta were the most interesting people in the world. Jason is so right – from the moment we met the family, we felt as if we’d known them forever. Jon often came to Jason’s house when we were visiting – and he was never empty handed. He always brought mushrooms he had foraged or fish he had caught – and he’d cook it up right then and there.
I have many pottery pieces from Jon that I love – and more so now as I think of Jon and our memories. Our hearts hurt for you Breta, Emma and Eva. Please know we are here for you – anything you need.
Our deepest sympathy to Jon’s family. I had the pleasure of teaching Jon’s fourth grade class in Coon Valley for six weeks and my husband taught him in high school. We both appreciated Jon and we admired his talents. May your memories some day bring smiles instead of tears. Hugs, Lonnie and Chuck Miller
Breta, Emma & Eva… So sorry for your loss… Always enjoyed visiting with Jon and enjoyed and admired his pictures and articles in “The Wisconsin” magazine and loved his pottery. A true Coon Valley native and he will be missed! May God grant you peace in the good memories you have with Jon…
A few years ago I was teaching VBS across the street from John. For the day we focused on “I Am the potter, you are the clay” I asked John if he might help us. He bought clay, hauled his potter’s wheel into the church basement and while he “ threw a pot” John gave an amazing narrative about how we are shaped and molded by our Creator. Each of the kids got to make something and I am sure they will never forget the “hands on” images and learning. He was
always a friend to me.
We are so sad to learn of Jon’s death. He was very special to us. We called him our oldest son. He was always very kind and loving to us. We enjoyed his many visits to our home
Breta, we are shocked and saddened by Jon’s sudden passing. He was such a happy, caring person and a great artistic talent in so many ways. WGBC will miss his calm and gentle leadership.
Jon, always the teacher, shared his talents in humble ways. When he took a photo of our Sons of Norway folk dance group at Norskedalen, he gave experienced advice, resulting in a vintage photo. He appreciated the art in all of creation.
Dear Breta, Emma & Eva, We want to express heartful and deepest sympathy at this sad time. The legacy of Jon’s many talents will live on with you. He is resting in the peace your love brought to him.Nanncy
So Sorry Breta. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Respected Mrs Lee
Emma and Eva
We are shocked to hear desmise of Mr Lee. We knew Mr Lee at IRRI in ISLB school. He was the teacher of many young students including our daughters Hardev and Rajdev. He was the best teacher and awesom human being. I know the big loss and pain you are going through now, dealing with it is never easy.
We are sending our deep symapthy condolence,love and prayer to you and your family.
“GOD” almighty give him peace. Take care of yourself
Sukhi Brar India
Emma I am very sad for the loss of your Dad. He sounds like he was an amazing person. Cherish your memories.
My sympathy to the family; I’ve just returned from out of town and am sorry to see that he has passed. I played cards with Jon from time to time in Coon Valley and Chaseburg. He was a very nice man.
With Benevolent Compassion of Acceptance and Forgiveness We are One with the Great Spirit
May these trying times give you the strength and light to see through the pain and suffering of your loss
My deepest sympathies to all of Jon’s dear family and friends at this most difficult time. I will so miss Jon’s good energy and spirit. Over the years I have had many opportunities to bring students from all over the country, and the world, to Coon Valley to learn about its important history. Jon was always the most wonderful guide and ambassador, in addition to being such a gifted photographer of the land he knew so well. I like to think that all those students carry a bit of his passion and understanding and dedication. You leave an amazing legacy, Jon.
Jon showed all of us how to live fully, to explore opportunities that come our way, to reach out to our friends and warm their hearts. I’m quite sure that the joy he created in us will sustain our many different Jon memories–forever. Deep condolences to Breta, Emma, Eva, and relatives on behalf of mutual IRRI friends, whose lives were enriched by knowing Jon and now live in the Philippines, Wales, Nepal, Australia, and several U.S. states.
So sorry for the loss of your beloved Jon. I had the nicest visit with him at his pottery table at Syttende Mai back in May and I’m so glad I did. I bought one of his fish coffee mugs. Peace to you and your daughters Breta. Thinking of you.
Breta : sorry about your loss I really enjoyed Jon When he worked in Sparta As a Art teacher….His heart was really into his art and his photos were amazing… Had many after school talks with him. He will be deeply missed by me also…
So sorry to hear of this. Jon was one of my teachers at the Coon Valley Lutheran Church. He was also very fond of my dad Don’s camera collection and enjoyed talkin shop with him. Condolences.