Lee Biesemeier, age 68, passed away at home, in Lena on Tuesday, November 18, 2014 after a long battle with Multiple System Atrophy, an neurological disease. He was born on September 11, 1946 at the Cradle Society, Elgin, IL. At 6 months, Lee was adopted into Maynard and Marie Biesemeier's home. Two years later they added the baby girl, Jane, to their family. in the 1990's Lee learned he had a half-brother, Carl Manthei, also born by Ruby Zimmerman. Carl and Lee visited between Boulder, CO and Lena, sharing details of their lives.

Lee married Regina (Harbach) on December 15, 1963, the same year they graduated. They established their home and farm south of Waddams Grove, where they worked together and raised their family; Jeff, Shantel, and Chris.

Lee's chosen vocation was farming, raising corn and soybean, which was unconventional in the 60's. Lee's pride was having his son farming beside him as a child and later as an adult. As a grain farmer, he obtained his CDL license and took the CB radio handle, "Summertime Farmer." Lee held various winter jobs during his lifetime; working and developing his mechanic skills at Burmeister Implement; snowmobile mechanic at several Lena businesses; and truck driver, hauling livestock, houses into Chicago, hazardous materials, and his own grain to market. What the community may remember his for is his snowplowing with the Oshkosh truck for West Point Township.

Lee's community activities included volunteering and serving at; St John's Lutheran Church, Lena, IL, in various positions including communion attendant; Lena-Winslow Community School board member; Lena Lions club member; and Immanuel Lutheran Church, Freeport, IL, member.

Lee's hobbies included snowmobiling and boating throughout the years. He enjoyed local trails as well as those in northern Wisconsin. He boated extensively on the Mississippi River with family and friends—friends that became family. HE really enjoyed his years as a grandfather, which were highlighted by many trips to Disney World. His latter friendships became very dear to him. Lee's burden of his illness was lightened by the love and care of his CNAs: Mindy, Earline, and Alyssa.

Lee is survived by his wife, Regina; his son Jeff (Renee) Biesemeier of Lena; his daughter Shantel (Brad) Heiler and grandchildren Samantha and Braden of South Lyon, MI; his sister Jane (Bob) Slamp of Cape Coral, FL; his brother Carl (Emily) Manthei of Boulder, CO; and his honorary granddaughter Grace Witt of Freeport; many cousins and nieces and nephews.

Lee now joins his deceased son Chris Biesemeier. And the family consensus is that they are likely playing around somewhere together.

A family funeral service was held on Friday, November 21, 2014 at Leamon Funeral Home in Lena. Burial was at Lena Burial Park.