John Patrick "Pat" Lee

GALVA - John Patrick "Pat" Lee died April 21, 2022 of cancer in Kewanee, Illinois at the age of 69.

Pat was a proud father and good buddy to daughters Melissa (Jason) Bates and Carissa (Matthew) Minder, a fun Papa and M & M supplier to grandsons Carter, Cooper, and Cameron Bates, and Desmond and Grant Minder, a partner in crime to his brothers Dud and the late Joe and T.A; a devoted but ornery son to his late parents John and Betty Lee; fun uncle to many nieces and nephews; helpful brother-in-law to lots of feisty women; bonus dad to lots of kids and a great friend to many.

Pat was married to Paula Evans in 1974 and then later to Linda (Houselog) Lee in 2002. Both wives remained dear friends with Pat during his life but his true love was the Green Bay Packers. He always had room at his bar for fellow football fans on Sundays, even a Chicago Bears fan. That’s how big his heart was.

Pat grew up in rural Bishop Hill and attended Galva High School where he was inducted into the Wall of Fame for football. He received his bachelor's degree from Western Illinois University and an MBA from St. Ambrose University. He worked in manufacturing for many years including at Dixline Corporation as a manager for 18 years and most recently retiring from McLaughlin Body in Moline, IL after 20 years as an industrial engineer. He was also an adjunct business professor at several colleges and retired from teaching at Purdue University last year.

In his early years, he could be found causing trouble with his brothers and friends, especially Keith (Lou) Patty. He was a very good softball pitcher and was inducted into the Illinois ASA Hall of Fame in 2014. Pat was a great dance partner and threw the best parties. Hats were usually mandatory for all those attending, however, Tupperware bowls or coffee filters could be used in a pinch.

You knew Pat loved you if he left a toilet bowl in your front yard, ambushed you with a water gun, or came to pinch you the day after your birthday. His life was short, but he sure did have fun.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 13th from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Rux Funeral Home in Galva with recitation of the rosary at 5:30 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 14th at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Galva with Fr. Johndamaseni Zilimu officiating. Private interment will be held at a later time at Viola Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please send donations to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Galva, OSF Healthcare Foundation, or another charity of your choice.

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