Carol Emily Lee, 93, passed away peacefully in the loving presence of her family on October 25, 2025. She was born November 1, 1931, to William and Francis Rhodes in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

As a young girl, Carol learned the importance of hard work and richness of friendships. She developed her "farm hand" skills while working on the family farm prior to meeting Don Lee, the love of her life, at a local skating rink and they married on November 4, 1950. During their 65-year marriage, they raised four children and, in addition to many other accomplishments, they remained each other's true loves. Carol and Don owned and operated their own successful dairy farm. Despite the cow milking schedule, they were proud to have never missed one of the boys' high school sporting events.

Carol had an open-door policy, entertaining lifelong friendships with Somers Girls, Mother's Club and Card Club. The coffee pot and something sweet was always at the ready for drop-in visitors. She was quick to take interest in others and formed many new friendships especially as life circumstances changed in her later years. For recreation, Carol enjoyed playing softball with the Somers Superettes, participating in her Ives Grove Golf League, traveling domestically and abroad with Don, wintering for over twenty years in Florida and Arizona, and playing cards with the same group of friends for 55 years. She loved watching sports and following human interest stories of her favorite teams and athletes. She adored her grandkids, joyfully making buckets of her famous party mix for every family gathering.

After Don's passing, Carol transitioned beautifully to Waterford Senior Living. She was a social and active participant in that community. It was an especially good day when she won at the Sheepshead table or had the lucky bingo card.

Carol is survived by her four children, Jeffrey (Beverly) Lee, Terry Lee, Dennis (Laura) Lee, and Mark (Ann) Lee; eight grandchildren, Alison (Mark Ditscheit), Brian (Justin Gerbers), Maureen, Kelly (Tyler Reynolds), Wyatt, Jacob (Haley), Jordan (Angela), and Megan (Jordan Tibbits); and twelve great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Frank (Diane) Rhodes, sister-in-law Janet Rhodes, many dear friends and extended family members. In addition to her parents and husband, Carol was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Mary, her brother Wendell Rhodes and numerous in-laws.

Visitation for family and friends will be held at Yorkville United Methodist Church where Carol was a longtime member on Saturday November 15, 2025 from 10:00 – 12:00. A short funeral service officiated by Pastor Jim Droste will begin at 12:00. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Yorkville United Methodist Church or Hospice Alliance of Pleasant Prairie.