Natalie 'Tootie" A Lee

Natalie Ann “Tootie” Lee was born to eternal life Sunday, March 22, 2015, peacefully at her home with her loving family at her side.  Leukemia may have claimed her body but her soul was taken by her savior, Jesus Christ where she can spend eternity with her loved ones and still keep an eye on her boys.

Born to this life on November 9, 1939, she was daughter to the late Otto and Elizabeth (Zink) Reuter.  She attended local schools.

She loved dancing and in the 1950’s she won a dance contest on Chicago’s WGN T.V. Show.  She danced her way into the heart of Robert “Bob” Lee, Sr. They were united in marriage on September 17, 1957 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Kenosha.  And that dance lasted 57 years.

They enjoyed the early years of their marriage traveling the country, as she followed her husband during his professional baseball career with the Milwaukee Braves minor league teams.

Then with the birth of their first son, Bob, Jr., the dance changed.  To support this new gift, the 56 Ford Convertible was sold and a station wagon was bought.  Baseball was not a way during these years to support a family.  Bob, Sr. went into the plumbing trade and it was decided that “Tootie” would stay home and keep an eye on the growing family.  Soon Mike, then Greg followed along.  What a wonderful mother who always had a hot breakfast, dinner with the family, clean home, clothes, and the constantly battled to keep clean kids.  Her family were all blessed.

She helped with family expenses during those young lean years.  She worked part time at Conaway Bakery (never came home without some sort of surprise) and sold Avon door to door. Her kids wanted for nothing.  Love was always in plenty of supply.

In her younger years among some of her outlets she loved to play tennis,  create ceramics, scrapbook, read and  play cards , but family to her last day was priority one.

She was the guiding force.  “Tootie” would nudge her husband in 1976 to start Lee Plumbing in the basement of their home.  Now that the kids were on their way she was able to support her husband in this endeavor.  She worked every job title in the early years; secretary, bookkeeper, schedule calls, bill and collect.  Her drive and work ethic is what the company is founded on today.

Life threw her a curve when in 1984 she and Bob started the Kenosha Twins Midwest League Class A Baseball Team.  The Kenosha Twins were a minor league affiliate of the Minnesota Twins.  Together they enjoyed seeing the smile of faces of those who came out to the park; especially the kids.  She did whatever was needed; sold tickets, made popcorn, judge baby races and was like a mother to the players and coaches who came through our city.  Many of who stay connected with her to this day.  The team was later sold but baseball was a part of our parents DNA.  In later years she enjoyed rooting for her Kenosha Kingfish along with many other Kenoshans.

In her later years she volunteered at local hospitals, the Humane Society and when she could she along with her “sister” Bev Barnett would bring animals to local nursing homes.  Animals (usually small dogs that did not listen well) were her passion.

“Tootie” was loved by her family and many friends.  Survivors include her husband of 57 year, Bob Lee, Sr.; her sons, Bob, Jr. and his wife, Linda (Dibble), Michael and his wife, Julie (Markee) and Greg and his wife, Teresa ( Conduff) ;  grandchildren, Nick, Taylor, Jessica, Austin, Emma, Colton, Jacob (Serving our country now in Afghanistan) and Ben; great grandson, Logan; along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Otto and Betty Reuter; brother, Don Reuter; sister, Lois Stengert; and grandson, Michael Lee, Jr.

Together her and Bob were active members of St. Mary’s Church in Burlington.  She was a committed and faithful friend, loved to walk, and play canasta with card club, who she so enjoyed being with.

The bonus in her life was her family, laughter, faith, loving and paying it forward to so many who were touched by our angel on earth.  She will live on in our hearts.

“Tooties” family would like  to thank so many people who helped them these past several months( too many to mention), kept her company and gave of themselves to keep her spirits up and provided our family with so much love (and food) . They would like to thank her medical team.  Dr. Longo at University Hospital in Madison, Dr. Haider and Dr. Schmidt and their staff for the wonderful care and compassion.  Her caregiver, Jutta Rupe, Hospice of Burlington, and the Burlington Visiting Nurses.  To the Lee family network of friends (you know who you are) thanks is not enough.  Our family is truly blessed.