Soon Jha Lee

As the psalmist writes, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants” (Psalm 116:15), and her life was indeed precious to all who knew her.

Born in Wonsan, Korea, to Eng Ul Lee and Bongjoo Hwa Kim, she grew up among six brothers and one sister and later studied voice at Seoul National University. In 1946 she became engaged to Yun Ho Lee, the table tennis coach at her high school and the partner with whom she would share a lifetime of devotion. They married in 1948 and remained committed to each other for 65 years, united in their trust in Christ and their hope of heaven.

In December 1949, she came to the United States so her husband could pursue his education in North Dakota. After settling in Minnesota in 1953, she and her husband worked tirelessly as they built a new life. In 1965 they founded Lee’s Apron Manufacturing Company, which grew—through diligence, prayer, and perseverance—to supply Woolworth’s, Target, K-Mart, and eventually the U.S. military.

Her steady support made possible her husband’s involvement in the early Korean community in Minnesota, including the formation of the Twin Cities Korean Presbyterian Church, the Korean Association, and the Korean Service Association. Those who knew them understood that her quiet strength and commitment were at the foundation of all they accomplished.

Although she and her husband did not have children of their own, she became a mother-figure to many—especially Korean immigrants and international students at the University of Minnesota. Her generosity, hospitality, and encouragement left a lasting imprint on countless lives.

Throughout her life, she carried a gentle longing for the family she left behind in North Korea and sought ways to care for them from afar. Her days were marked by gratitude, faith, and a deep desire to bless others.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Yun Ho Lee, in 2013. Those who mourn her now take comfort in knowing she is reunited with him in the Lord’s presence.

A visitation will be held on Friday, November 21, at 9:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. at the Korean Presbyterian Church, 5840 N Humboldt Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55430.