Lee Emery Stauffer, September 2, 1936, from Lowell, Michigan, died at home in DeWitt on May 3, 2020 as the result of sarcoma. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Gladys (Arens); children Leigh Anne Heskitt, Ron (Jennifer) Stauffer, Jill Fletcher, Kurt (Sandy) Stauffer, Dawn Hill, Jonathon Stauffer; Grandchildren Candace Heskitt, Ian (Jennifer) Heskitt, Alexander Heskitt, Blake Stauffer, Sam Stauffer, Rachel (Cory) Sweet, Zachary (Tegan) Fletcher, Jacob (Bekah) Fletcher, Nina Stauffer, Nadia Stauffer, Owen Stauffer, Auden Stauffer, Lillian Hill, Laurel Hill, Asa Hill; great grandchildren Coraline, Sterling, Hugh, Jude, Zora, Kenton, Blair; “Little Brother” (Big Brothers/Big Sisters) of 55 years, Billy Lynch; sister Janice (Pete) Bosanic; half-siblings Arva Stauffer, Ardelle Klein, Shirley Stauffer, Karen Torres, Roger Stauffer. Lee is preceded in death by parents Lester and (Jesusita) Stauffer, Evelyn Duffiny, brother Robert Stauffer, Ardist Ann (Stauffer) Merritt, and grandson Joseph Fletcher.
Lee graduated from Resurrection High School in 1955. He later went to work at “Oldsmobile,” as it was known, as a metal model maker before retiring in 1996. He spoke fondly of Resurrection High School and also General Motors, where he enjoyed his work and had many friends. Lee played softball with his “Oldsmobile” team and was a regular attendee of the UAW’s Oldsmobile Outdoor Days.
Those who knew Lee, know he lived life fully and enjoyed many activities, including family, church, the outdoors, and athletics. Beside his love for wife Gladys, he was devoted to his family. Lee’s children remember many fun vacations together in the family station wagon, such as annual Cedar Point trips, driving through the mountains, visiting museums in Washington DC, and National Landmarks throughout the country. Lee had a great sense of humor. Stories of a car full of Florida oranges, a cold glass of water at Wall Drug, bologna sandwiches at rest areas, and many others are fond reminders of the happy childhood of his six kids. Lee enjoyed traveling the country and also parts of Europe. Later in life he especially liked Branson, Missouri. He took his final wheelchair-bound trip to Branson in the fall of 2019 as he and Gladys celebrated their anniversary. Lee’s own childhood was sad in many ways, but it motivated him to raise his own family differently. He was an active member in his family’s life.
Lee loved fishing. Those who knew him admired his patience and persistence in finding where the fish were biting and rarely did he come home with an empty net. He also perfected his method of frying his catch for the enjoyment of others. Lee was an avid gardener. In his leisure time if he wasn’t found in a boat on a lake, he could be found in the garden. He was known by many for his colorful harvests of fruits and vegetables, which he happily shared with others.
Lee was generous with his time, treasure, and talent and said “yes” when called upon to help others, whether sponsoring a grandchild’s religious formation, trimming trees at church or gardening at St Francis Retreat Center. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus (4 th Degree) through his parish, The Catholic Community of St. Jude, where he was also an usher and sang in the choir. Lee worked on many Lenten fish fries there and was active in many other helping ministries including youth religious education. He also enjoyed all manner of social and community activities.
In addition to the Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization, he also was a supporter of Right to Life. He also enjoyed following politics and had strong opinions, which he kept to himself, unless asked. He led his sons in the YMCA Indian Guide program and was known as “Golden Arrow” to “Silver Arrow” and “Straight Arrow.” He was an amateur carpenter. He created many things out of wood and had impressive home remodeling skills and was able to fix most anything.
In addition to playing softball on the Oldsmobile team, Lee enjoyed playing catch with his kids and “pickup games” in the neighborhood. He also coached both boys and girls in community leagues. He took up bowling and was well-known for his bowling skill. His family bragged about his perfect 300 games, but Lee was most proud of his 780 series. It was a sad day in early 2020 when he made that call to say he wouldn’t be returning to the bowling alley. Selling his fishing boat was another final piece of important business in his life. Lee golfed on the K of C league in recent years. Enjoying a beer with the guys after golf or bowling was one of his simple pleasures of life.
People naturally liked Lee, his kind nature and easy smile. He was fun to be around and he and his wife Gladys had many wonderful adventures together, including many family traditions, camping trips, travel, dancing, church activities, walking the Mackinac Bridge, fishing up north, supporting the kids and grandkids activities and working out at the YMCA. Lee will be missed, but most will agree that he did his part to make the world a better place.
Arrangements by Gorsline Runciman, DeWitt. A Funeral Mass will be held for a limited number of immediate family at The Catholic Community of St Jude in DeWitt on Friday May 8 with interment at the DeWitt City Cemetery. A Memorial Mass and Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. THE FAMILY HOPES ALL WILL BE ABLE TO ATTEND. Memorial donations may be made in his name to Resurrection School, 1521 E. Michigan Ave. Lansing, MI 48912, or Clinton County Right to Life, 105 S. Swegles St, Saint Johns, MI 48879
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