Violet Lee

Violet W. Lee, age 94 of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Friday, December 13, 2019 at The Cedars of Austin. Violet Wyona Fuglesteen was born December 16, 1924 in LeRoy, Minnesota, the daughter of Ole and Ellen (Swenson) Fuglesteen. She grew up amongst chickens, cows, and horses on a farm just outside of Leroy. Violet later graduated from LeRoy High School as president of her class. She always considered herself a “country girl” and cherished the memory of her childhood on the farm for the rest of her life.

On August 3, 1947, Violet married Clifford Lee at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. Their marriage was blessed with two daughters, Barbara and Cindy. Violet worked in the New Style Casing department at Hormel Foods in Austin for 5 years. She then devoted her time to caring for her children. Violet was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Austin and enjoyed knitting, drawing, card making, wood carving, and word puzzles. In the summers, she relished camping with Cliff in their RV, horseback riding, and watching birds congregate at the feeders and baths that decorated her backyard. Violet loved spending time with her family and friends, especially attending her grandchildren and great grandchildren’s sporting activities. Her happy-go-lucky personality and welcoming home always drew friends, family, and neighbors to “visit” with her at her kitchen table.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Barbara (Mark) Owens of Austin, MN, Cindy (Dave) Berg of Golden Valley, MN; four grandchildren, Mandy (Bryan) Wehler, Jamie (Derek) Patrick, Melissa (Brent) Palmer, Eric (Natalie Blum-Ross) Owens; ten great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ole and Ellen Fuglesteen; sister, Fern Schar; husband, Clifford Lee in 2000; brothers-in-law, Wally Schar, Lynn Christenson, and Bill Lee; and sisters-in-law, Elinor Lee and Charlene Christenson.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at Grace Lutheran Church in Austin. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 17, at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery, Austin. Memorials can be directed to recipient of donor’s choice.