Steven James Lee, 35, went home to be with the Lord on August 1, 2025, at Avita Hospital, Ontario. He was born in Mansfield on July 19, 1990, to Willard Lee and Jenny (Giess) Funk. Steven’s death was unexpected. Although he had courageously fought Leukemia and was in remission, recent serious injuries caused physical complications that led to his passing.
He was a member of Westwood Alliance Church and formerly Clearcreek Chapel in Springboro, Ohio. A devout man of faith, he was very active serving the Lord through teaching in the church, sharing in the gospel, leading his family, and serving wherever needed. His faith drove his life. He continued to grow more and more like Christ by reflecting Christ’s humility, love for the Word, and love for others. He had a servant’s heart, always giving of himself – whether to his family, his church, his community, or anyone in need. Always full of life and joyful, he had the most robust laugh that filled any room.
Steven was a family man, great husband, and an amazing dad to his children. He loved to play outside with the kids on the trampoline, swing-set, and practicing sports. Steven loved to cook, and shared this joy with family, church groups, and friends.
Steven was a larger-than-life presence, known as a “gentle giant” with a heart to match, magnified by his love for weightlifting. He was everyone’s favorite person – kind, genuine, an animal lover, and a true friend to all. He loved playing golf, chess, and board games, snowboarding, and cheering on his beloved Cleveland teams. Steven had a way of making everyone feel seen and valued. His warmth, humor and deep connections will be missed by all who knew him.
A 2008 graduate of Madison High School, he was very musically talented, picking up any instrument and quickly learning to play. He earned a bachelor’s degree at Kettering College in Health Management and was licensed in X-ray, CT and MRI Radiology. He worked as a Radiology Informatics Systems Analyst at University Hospitals.
Steven is survived by his loving wife, Emily (Peyton) Lee; their children, James George Lee, Evelyn Jane Lee, and Judah Steven Lee; mother and stepfather, Jenny and Brad Funk; father, Willard Lee; his sister, Brittany (Todd) Conley; brother, Justin (Tiffany) Funk, brother Jared (Andrea) Funk:, in-laws, Rev. Doyle and Jane Peyton; brother-in-law Glenn (Becky) Peyton; sister-in-law, Brinne (Joe) Baumgard; sister-in-law Darcy (Andrew) Ballitch; numerous nieces and nephews; aunts and uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by grandparents, George and Elsa Giess, James and Ruth Lee, John and Shirley Funk; aunt, Juanita Erwin, and aunt, Shelli Giess.
Family and friends are invited to attend visitation at Westwood Alliance Church, 396 Willowood Dr E, Ontario, OH 44906, on Friday August 8, 2025, from 6:00PM to 8:00 PM. The funeral will be at Westwood Alliance Church on Saturday August 9, 2025, at 9:30AM, officiated by Pastor Jeremy Muncy and Pastor Andrew Ballitch. Burial will follow at Mansfield Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family.
Wappner Funeral Directors – Ontario is honored to serve the family.
