Duane E. Lee

"Don't cry for me, I'm finally free!" Koosharem, Utah - Duane E. Lee, age 87, passed away Sunday, March 15, 2015 at his home in Koosharem. He was born August 31, 1927 in Monroe, Utah, the third of five children born to Orson Ardell and Ruth Anderson Lee. He was a very athletic person, enjoying baseball, golf, bowling and time spent in the outdoors, always wanting to be the best in whatever he did. Duane worked at the Boat house at Fish Lake for six summers for Chase Skougaard. When he wasn't working, he was fishing. He also worked with Jess Wynn and the Fish and Game Department on the spawning run at Twin Creeks. "Fish Lake is a special place in my memories" he would often say, that's where he met his eternal sweetheart. He worked under Hod Miller for the Bureau for Public Roads constructing new highways at Cedar City, Hatch, Sevier to Cove Fort and Dugway, thus ending his Fish Lake career. He married Rae Lynn Schaugaard, March 7, 1952 in Richfield. Their marriage was solemnized in the Manti LDS Temple June 22, 1956. They have had a happy 63 years together. In the fall of 1952, Ken Murray offered Duane a job in Ogden at the Bureau Equipment Depot as a mechanic for the government vehicles. He then transferred to the General Services Administration Depot, 30 years, two jobs in the same building. He retired in 1984. His favorite hobby in retirement was making canes and walking sticks from Diamond Willows. He made trips to Nebraska, Montana and Alaska for the willow sticks. He and Rae Lynn were participants in the Adopt-A-Highway program, cleaning a four mile stretch from Koosharem Junction to the Fish Lake turn off, for approximately 10 years. He loved gardening, especially his potato patch in Koosharem. He was an expert fly fisherman and enjoyed Mackinaw fishing at Fish Lake and Flaming Gorge. He enjoyed hunting deer, geese, pheasant and antelope with his brother Brant and his sons. He was an all-around "do-gooder", always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone. His great sense of humor will always hold a special place in our memories. He moved to Koosharem permanently in 2011. Duane was an active member of the LDS Church involved in many callings, especially enjoyed being with the young people and scouting. He is survived by his wife, Rae Lynn, of Koosharem; children: Kenneth and Linda Lee of Washington Terrace, Utah; Raymond S. Lee and Russell A. Lee, both of Riverdale, Utah; Sandra Lynn Lee of Koosharem; a sister, Sherry Jean and Bud Lowe of Brigham City; a sister-in-law: LaNell Lee of Monroe; and a brother-in-law: DeLoy and Marilyn Schaugaard of St. George. He is preceded in death by his parents; and three siblings: Kent A. Lee, Bonnie Baker and Brant J. Lee. Special thanks to three friends that kept in touch with him: Richard Cox, Keith Lund and Dick Payne. And a special thanks to Hospice for their compassion and service in our time of need. Funeral services will be held Monday, March 23, 2015 at 12:00 Noon in the Koosharem LDS Ward Chapel, where friends may call for viewing from 10:30 to 11:30 prior to the services. Burial will be in the Koosharem Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.