Richard Lee Schlee

Richard Lee Schlee, 87, of Postville, Iowa died Friday, July 2, 2021 at his home after several months of declining health and a difficult battle with dementia. “Dick” was born July 2, 1934 in Postville, Iowa, to Edward William and Mary Minnie (Meyer) Schlee. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Postville.

Dick attended Postville Community Schools and graduated from PHS with the class of 1952. He married his sweetheart, Norma Jean Schweinefus, on June 22, 1954 in Zion Lutheran Church in Castalia, Iowa. Together, they had five children: Linda, Vicki, Robyn, Christopher, and Heidi.

After high school, Dick worked for Kittleson-Petersen Hardware in Postville for a number of years prior to beginning his career at Seedorff Masonry in Strawberry Point, Iowa as a mason and later being promoted to Vice President. He was proud of having a son, son-in-law, and grandson follow in his footsteps as bricklayers. Dick was an incredibly hard working man and earned the respect of many people.

His greatest love of all was that of his family. Attending the grandkids’ and great-grandkids’ sporting events brought him great joy. He was an avid follower of the Iowa Hawkeyes. He enjoyed traveling, snowmobiling, golfing, playing rummy with the Hogans and especially dancing with Norma and their daughters. He threw fantastic parties at Wyalusing beach on the Mississippi River complete with a band. He was fond of relaxing at the cabin, going boating, and a good Bloody Mary; just not too spicy! He planted a garden annually and grew delicious vegetables. He was an excellent cook and his family enjoyed his creamed peas and potatoes, chocolate malts, and his freshly baked “brad” (bread). He canned the best dill pickles in the world. He sure had a sweet tooth and would never say no to “resort” (dessert), his favorite, pecan pie. He worked hard and played hard and was sure a fun-loving man who will be missed dearly.

Left to cherish Dick’s memory is his wife, Norma Schlee of Postville, IA; his five children, Linda (Dave) Anderson of Postville, IA; Robyn (Kendal) Jarmes of Postville, IA; Vicki Donohue of St Petersburg, FL; Christopher Schlee of Strawberry Point, IA; and Heidi (Jason) Strohman of Cedar Rapids; eleven grandchildren, Misty Anderson (Darin Johnson) of Decorah, IA; Jake Anderson of Postville, IA; Nick Donohue (Kat Lundeen) of Decatur, GA; Dylan Donohue of St Petersburg,  FL; Cody Jarmes (Rachel Ellis) of Downers Grove, IL; Tess Jarmes of Decorah, IA; Seth (Samantha) Schlee of Strawberry Point, IA; Reed (Rachel) Schlee of Marion,IA; Paige Schlee (Will Neumeister) of Holy Cross, IA; Zane Schlee of Strawberry Point, IA; Kenna Strohman of Cedar Rapids, IA; ten great-grandchildren: Gavin Ruckdaschel of Ankeny, IA; Griffin Day, Dakota, Dillan and Demi Johnson, Sawyer and June Schlee, Haddie, Raelynne and Savannah Schlee, and Jack Neumeister . One sister, Mary Timmerman of Decorah, IA; and sister-in-law, Marie Schlee of Postville, IA.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Mary Schlee; siblings, James Schlee, William Schlee, Charlotte Baethke, and Betty Anderson; brothers-in-law, Milton Anderson, Reuben Baethke, and Ken Timerman; sister-in-law, Eunice Schlee; and daughter-in-law, Michelle Schlee. 

 Visitation will be held from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm on Friday, July 9, 2021 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Postville, Iowa. There will also be a visitation for an hour before services at the church on Saturday.

Funeral Service will be at 10:30 am on Saturday, July 10, 2021 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Postville, Iowa with Rev. Lynn Noel as the officiant.

Burial will follow at Postville Cemetery in Postville, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:

Dementia Society of America

Post Office Box 600

Doylestown, PA 18901 USA

Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Postville, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.

Click here to visit the Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service website.