Jack L Lee, 88, a resident of Lake Stevens, Washington, peacefully passed away at home on Wednesday May 17, 2023.  He was born in St Croix Falls, Wisconsin to Bert and Dorothy Lee, the oldest of four children.  At 17, after graduating from High School, in 1952, he enlisted in the Navy.  After boot camp and mechanics school, he came home and married his sweetheart, Shirley Tendrup on November 13, 1953.  They were stationed in Illinois until he finished school.  He was stationed on the USS Hornet and also on Guam.  He was honorably discharged from active duty in August 1956.

They moved to Everett, where he worked at a gas station and was a lot boy until he got into car sales.  He worked for Earl Meyer Auto Sales for years then he and partner Larry Cooley started their own car lot.  He made a long career doing this.

Jack loved to fish and hunt and did so at every opportunity.  He was always happy to take family and friends out salmon fishing on his boat.  He had many friends.  He loved it when everyone got together so he could cook fish on the BBQ.  He used to take us kids out when we were little and was really patient when we tangled up lines.  He really appreciated a good cast, and said, “I couldn’t have done any better than that” when you got a good one off.  And he got such a kick out of reeling in a nice salmon or trout.

He was a great Mariner fan and held season tickets for a number of years.  After his failing health kept him home, he would listen to the games on the radio (loudly).  He also played for a senior softball team until he couldn’t play anymore, then he kept the score and stats.

He and Shirley were blessed with five children, seven grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.  On their 69th wedding anniversary this year, he said to Mom, “Look what we started, can you believe that we started all this.”

Jack leaves behind his children, Jack (Maureen) Lee, Janet (George) Ahrens, Catherine (William) Pepin, Christine (Paul) Evans, Peggy Lee (Rick Nurmi); six grandchildren, Hillary (Jeremy) Baker, Travis (Kelsey) Lee, Mallory Pepin, Gage Pepin, Audrey Pepin, Hank Ahrens; five great grandchildren, Brandon, Hayden and Riley and step great grandchildren, Jaxon and Owen.  Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; his granddaughter, Virginia Ahrens, his parents; brother, Warren; sister, Bonnie.

He will be sadly missed and always loved, but he’ll be reunited with Shirley and a lot of his old friends who’ve gone before him.  I know he’s telling hunting and fishing stories or playing pinochle.

A private memorial service will be held at Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.  Share your memories of Jack and sign the online guest register.