Douglas F. Lee

     Douglas Floyd Lee, age 96, most recently of Belmond, Iowa, a longtime resident in Clear Lake, died, Friday, Oct. 23, 2015, of complications from a major stroke at the Iowa Specialty Hospital, Belmond, surrounded by his loving family.

     Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2015, at the Clear Lake Christian Church, Clear Lake.  Ron Andrews will be officiating.  Burial with full military honors provided by the Clear Lake Honor Guard Saratoga Post #4868 will be in the Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery, Mason City, Iowa.   Visitation will be held on Wednesday one hour prior to the services at the church.  Those wishing to express their sympathies through a memorial in Doug’s name may wish to consider Hospice of Wright County, or to the family c/o P.O. Box 224, Belmond, IA 50421, or the donor’s choice.

      Douglas Floyd Lee, the son of Morley V. and Bertha (Behnke) Lee, was born Feb. 5, 1919, in Mason City.  He attended Mason City Public Schools and attended Mason City High School.  During his early adult years he competed in Golden Gloves Boxing, a sport that he excelled at on a regional level.

     In early adulthood Doug worked as a meat cutter.  His father also initiated him into the carpentry and construction trade.

     Douglas enlisted in the United States Army on Feb. 19, 1942 with his initial destination being the European Theater of Operations.  Doug faithfully served his country during World War II as part of the Company M 133rd Infantry-Red Bull Division, with much of his tenure spent in the middle of the main battle fields of the region and throughout Rome-Arno and Italy.  He and his division landed and fought in the battles at Anzio Beach Head surviving in that battle for more than 30 days,  amongst many other fiercely contested locations. Douglas was Honorably Discharged as a Private First Class on Aug. 20, 1946, at the Separation Center, Fort Sheridan, Ill.  During his time in the service Doug had the Military Occupational Specialty  of Military Policeman. He was awarded the Rifle SS Combat Infantry Badge, American Defense Service Ribbon, Victory Medal European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with One Bronze Battle Star and Six Overseas Service Bars.

    Upon returning to civilian life, Doug was united in marriage to Ann Kloberdanz, at Holy Family Catholic Church, Mason City, on May 5, 1948.  Their union was blessed with two daughters, Debbie and Laurie.  Following their marriage the couple lived in Mason City full-time .

     In 1949, Doug and Ann decided to build a summer cottage on the south side of Clear Lake for summer getaways.  In 1958, Doug and Ann made their cottage in Clear Lake their permanent home.

      In 1958, the couple purchased and renovated a closed bowling alley and coffee shop in Ventura, Iowa, and operated it under the name of, “The Village Inn.”    In 1968, they sold the business and it’s name was changed to what is known in recent times as “The Colony Inn.”

After selling the restaurant/bowling businesses, Doug returned to his business known as “Lee’s Construction, Inc.”

Doug was an avid golfer and bowler.

Those left to cherish the legacy of Doug’s life include, his daughters, Debbie Anderson and husband, Dale, Clear Lake, Laurie Andrews and husband, Tony; grandson, Zachary Andrews, all of Belmond, Iowa; nephews, Doug H. “Dude” and wife, Phyllis Lee, Mason City, Iowa, Morely Lee and (Sherrine), Mason City; nieces, Connie Levy, Mason City, and Trudy (Richard) Muhlstein, Mason City; along with numerous other great nieces and great nephews; and their families, friends, and other extended relatives.

    He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ann; infant son, “Baby Boy Lee”; brothers Harry, Russell, Ralph, Leonard and Robert.; and sister Beatrice.

     Andrews Funeral Home, Belmond, was in charge of arrangements.