David Lee 09/22/2026

Dr. David Lee, age 80, of New Richmond, passed away on Sunday, September 20, 2026.

A Life of Family, Music, Service & Community

David Lee was born June 10, 1946, in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, to Hilda and Dan Lee and grew up in the Village of Highland. His early years on a small Wisconsin farm and around his parents’ hardware store helped nurture the curiosity, resourcefulness and wide range of interests that remained with him throughout his life.

David developed an early love of both music and science. He studied piano, accordion, trombone and voice and participated in school bands, choirs and quartets. He attended Luther College before transferring to the University of Wisconsin–Platteville. During his years at Platteville, he became a father with the birth of his son Jeff. David graduated in 1968 with a double major.
David later served nearly four years in the United States Air Force, working in supply while stationed near Rapid City, South Dakota. His son Kevin was born during those years. On the eve of David’s 26th birthday in 1972, the devastating Rapid City flood destroyed the family’s home, prompting their return to Wisconsin.
David returned to school to pursue optometry, eventually moving his family to Clarendon Hills, Illinois, while completing his education. In 1977, the family moved to New Richmond, Wisconsin, where David began working with Dr. Lindell. He purchased the practice in 1979 and later renamed it Family Vision.
For 47 years, Dr. David Lee cared for generations of patients throughout New Richmond and the surrounding communities. He believed that good vision care should be available to everyone and donated professional services and glasses to people who otherwise might not have been able to afford them. For many years, he also provided vision screenings through local hunter-safety programs. He continued caring for patients until his retirement in June 2025.

David’s service to New Richmond extended far beyond his optometry practice. He contributed his time and abilities through the Jaycees, Lions Club, Boy Scouts, his church and numerous other community organizations and activities. During Fun Fest, he was often behind the scenes providing sound, power, equipment and whatever additional help was needed to keep events running. He rarely sought attention for this work; he simply saw something that needed to be done and found a way to help.

Music remained one of the great joys of David’s life. He could play nearly anything he picked up, although his upright bass and accordions held a special place for him. He sang whenever he could—in his church choir, regional choirs and other musical groups—and performed with local community theater organizations. Whether playing, singing, performing or helping with sound, David found countless ways to bring music into his life and share it with others.

He brought that same enthusiasm to growing dahlias. His gardens reflected the patience, curiosity and care he gave to the things he loved, and he served for several years as president of the Minnesota Dahlia Society.
David was also rarely far from a camera. He was always taking photographs of family, community events, flowers, landscapes and everyday life, and some of his work was published in magazines.

His dogs were beloved companions and an unmistakable part of his life. Many portraits of David included a dog beside him. Abbie was especially important to him, as was Sara, his most recent companion.

For nearly fifty years, New Richmond was David’s home. It was where he raised his family, built his practice, served his community and pursued the passions that gave his life so much character. He will be remembered as a father and grandfather, optometrist, veteran, musician, singer, photographer, gardener, volunteer and friend—and as Dr. Lee to generations of families who entrusted him with their care.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel Lee and Hilda (Tomashaska) Lee; his brother, Marvin Lee

He is survived by his sons, Jeff Lee (Gygy Lee) and Kevin Lee (Anita Otteson); his grandchildren, Natasha Lee (Jeremie Achterhof), Heather Weyer (Max Weyer), Nate Lee, Rachel Lee, Ash Lee, Allison Lee, and Nick Lee; and his great-grandchildren, Isabelle Weyer, Chase Achterhof, Aleah Achterhof, Wyatt Weyer, Madelyn Achterhof

He is also survived by his former wife and lifelong friend, Marilyn Gadach; his former wife, Cheryl; his special friend of 23 years, Peggy Jo Johnson; his nephew, Lewis Lee (Kelly); his nieces, Mary Bomkamp (Mark) and Cathy Weidemann (Mark); and numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Music gives soul to the universe, wings to the wind, flight to the imagination and life to everything. – Plato

A memorial service for Dave has been planned for Monday, September 28, 2026 at 12:00PM at United Methodist Church (209 E 2nd St) New Richmond, Wisconsin, with visitation starting at 10:00AM.  Light refreshments will be served following the service. Dave’s service will be live streamed using the link below.  

Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.

Click here on Monday, September 28, 2026 at 12:00PM to watch Dave’s service live.