Marcia O. (Odland) Lee

Marcia Lee, age 81 of Battle Lake, died Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at the Good Samaritan Society in Battle Lake. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at First Lutheran Church in Battle Lake. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are with the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood, Minnesota.

Marcia JoAnne Odland Lee, wife of Lowell “Skip” Lee, daughter of Martin and Alma Odland, was born on November 23, 1937 in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Marcia grew up on a farm north of Frazee, attended country school and then Frazee public school where she graduated in 1956. She attended First Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, where she was confirmed. Marcia graduated from Moorhead State University in 1960 with an Elementary Education degree. She was united in marriage to Lowell Lee on June 14, 1959 in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. They made their home in Barnesville, Minnesota, where she taught elementary school and Lowell attended Concordia College.

In 1961, Marcia and Lowell moved to Brainerd, Minnesota where Lowell taught German and English at Brainerd Senior High School for two years. Marcia stayed at home and cared for their twin daughters, Kari and Krista.

In 1963, they moved to St. Louis Park, Minnesota, where Lowell taught at the Senior High School and Marcia tutored elementary children and eventually became a full time 2nd and 3rd grade teacher at Fern Hill Elementary School. In 1966, they added Eric to their family. In the early 70’s, Marcia returned to full time teaching after spending time raising Kari, Krista and Eric.

In 1981, Marcia survived a debilitating stroke and became an advocate for survivors at Courage Center in Golden Valley.

Marcia loved children and helping improve their lives through education. She taught primarily gifted 2nd and 3rd graders and called them her “Lee-f-lets.” Her teaching career was cut short by her stroke but she still continued to teach young people through confirmation and Sunday school at First Lutheran in Battle Lake.

Upon retirement, Marcia and Lowell moved to their lake place on East Battle Lake near Battle Lake, Minnesota, where they were active in church, the community and many social activities.

Marcia is remembered as a caring, loving and humorous woman. She overcame several health difficulties and handled each event like a warrior.

Marcia is preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Alma Odland; her sister, Myrna Ellison and brother, Leotis Vaaler.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, Lowell “Skip” Lee; her children, Krista, Kari and Eric (Eve); her grandchildren, Jack, Matthew (Lauren) and Eddie; her nieces, Karla Boehm and June Steffl; and her nephews, Kyle Ellison, Kurt Vaaler, Harry Donley, Shane Donley and Danny Donley.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.