Thomas John Lee
January 19, 1951– January 11, 2026
Thomas John Lee was born in Breckenridge, MN on January 19th, 1951 to Virgil and Gladys (Kirkeby) Lee.
Tom attended grade school and high school in Wahpeton, ND and graduated from Wahpeton High School in 1969. He then attended ND State College of Science in Wahpeton, Westmar College in LeMars, Iowa, and graduated from Southwest State University in Marshall, MN in 1973, majoring in music education.
He married Marcia Ellen Stowe in Marshalltown, IA on June 12th, 1977. They enjoyed building a life together and God blessed them with four children: Bethany Anderson (Ethan), Benjamin (Channing), Miriam Sofia Greeno (Ryan), Susanna Garcia (Nick), and were blessed later with 12 grandchildren and 3 step-grandchildren.
Tom taught choral music in Lake Benton, MN, Appleton, MN, and then, for 37 years, in the Durant, IA Community School District, retiring in 2016. Tom found his niche in teaching and enjoyed every year of working with young people and directing choirs.
Tom was active in the Church of the Living Water in Muscatine, IA, where he served as an elder and worship leader/musician. The CLW was his and Marcia’s spiritual family.
Tom was a student of the Bible, spending time each morning reading and finding encouragement in its pages. Early in life, Tom invited Jesus Christ into his life, and then spent the rest of his life seeking to learn more about following Him.
Celebration of Life
Saturday, January 17th
Church of the Living Water
10am
Greeting and Fellowship: Visit with the family before the service.
11am
Celebration of Life Service: Songs and stories to remember Tom’s life and legacy.
The Lee family would like to invite you to a Celebration of Life for Tom. There will be a time for greeting the family beforehand, at 10am. The service will start at 11am. There will be a light meal to follow the service.
A private burial service will take place on a different date.
Livestream
We will have Zoom running during the service if you’d like to watch from afar. Please be aware that our camera setup is very simple. Some portions of the service may not have the best sound quality (music, especially). But the speaking portions of the service should come through clearly.
Click here to access the Zoom link →
Heaven gained one of the best! Mr. Lee was an icon to his students. His work ethic, knowledge and kindness made him stand out. Never a cross word did I ever hear come out of his mouth. God bless Mr. Lee and his entire family. I can assure you that his legacy will live on as the Wilson kids will continue to share his story.
Sending so much love,
Andrea Wilson Shaffer
I’ll echo Andrea’s comments. What a brilliant musician and patient teacher he was to us all! My most prominent memory will be of the calming, Christian voice he was to all of us after the tragic fire that took the lives of two Durant students. His message: trust in the Holy Spirit! May perpetual light shine upon him and may the same Holy Spirit comfort Marcia & family.
We heard about the Wilson kids so often, thank you so much for your words 🩷
My deepest sympathies to the Lee family. I knew Tom when he taught at Durant. Such a kind human that touched so many young lives in such a positive way! His love for music and his students was felt for years in our community. Hold onto all those special memories 🙏💔Hugs
Mr. Lee was an extremly warm hearted, patient and devoted music teacher. I had the privilege of being his student for 6 years at Durant. The news of his passing brings tears to my eyes. To this day I recall the beautiful Gloria De in Excelsis that we sang each year and watching the musical Fiddler on the Roof in his class every year. I am so very sorry for your loss. May God provide you strength and guidance in the coming days. Mr. Lee has no doubt earned his wings in heaven! ✝️🙏
Mr. Lee was simply the best. Best person I ever knew. He will be directing the choirs in heaven .
Mr. Lee was such a special teacher. His Christian light shone oh-so brightly. He made a positive impact on all of us. My deepest sympathies to his family.
Mr. Lee was the best teacher! He taught us to be brave in discovering our talents, and for that I am forever grateful. Sending thoughts & prayers to the family during this time. May you find comfort in knowing he is in the arms of the angels with his Father in Heaven.
Tom was an amazing friend and colleague. He was the epitome of calm, patience and grace. Working with him in the music department at Durant for 10 years was an absolute joy.
I was honored to teach with Tom. He was just as fine an example to his fellow teachers as he was to his students. We know you’re in heaven, Tom!!
Mr. Lee was so kind when he said to me, “Maybe there is a better place for you in the upcoming performance”. What he so kindly said was , “you can’t really sing”. I will never forget how kindly and lovingly he told me, “you can’t really sing”. I was the student director in the performance. I will never forgot how someone could tell you something you already knew. Rest in peace, Mr Lee
i recall singing a son Mr. Lee chose about a road less followed. He was kind, patient, and perfect for us in Durant. May you now be on the a different path, with your own patient and kind angels.
I had the privilege of teaching at Durant HS with Tom for 18 years. He was such a kind and peaceful man, and there are generations of Durant students whose lives are better for knowing him. My deepest sympathies Marcia, and peace to you and your family.