Mary Esther Lee

Mary Esther Lee was born on January 28, 1934, in Omro. She grew up on a working dairy farm. She loved helping her father milk the cows and even showed calves at the county fair. She was close to all three of her siblings but especially close to her younger sister, Elaine. They made a lot of mischief together.

She and Eldon Lee were high school sweethearts. She waited for him for several years while he was stationed in Germany as an army soldier. They married on November 26, 1955, and were married for 60 years. They welcomed three children: Alan, Gail, and Steve. Mary worked many jobs. Her passion was bookkeeping, as she had a meticulous eye for detail. She also nourished many people over the years as a cook and at family gatherings. She loved bowling and playing cards (especially Sheepshead) and making lifelong friends along the way.

Over the years, she and Eldon enjoyed hosting friends and family at Pine River, their Creekside getaway; camper stays in Door County; and many trips around the US and even to London. She was a deacon and longtime member of First Presbyterian Church. She was a devoted mother-in-law and grandmother to her four grandchildren, supporting their passions and attending numerous recitals and games. After making the Courtyard Assisted Living her home in 2021, she became beloved to all the staff and was called “Grandma” by all. She passed on April 3, 2026.

Mary Lee was preceded in death by her loving spouse, Eldon; her parents, Ira and Esther Challoner; siblings, Robert Challoner and Elaine Challoner and brother-in-law, Rex Stone.

Mary is survived by her children, Alan Lee (Theresa), Gail Trenholm (Danny) and Steve Lee (Chrissy), four grandchildren, Emily and Maddy Trenholm, Mason (Vic) and Conner Lee; sister Ruth Stone and sister-in-law Sandi Challoner and many nieces and nephews.

We’d like to thank all the caregivers at the Courtyard of Oshkosh and the hospice team from Moments Hospice. We appreciated their dedication, compassion, and gentle care for our mother. We appreciated the love, attention, and dignity you provided to mom.

A Celebration of Life for family and friends will held be on Monday, April 27th at First Presbyterian Church located 110 Church Ave., Oshkosh starting with the Visitation from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. Church Service at 12:00 pm followed by lunch at the lower level of the church.

Interment will follow the lunch at the Omro Cemetery located at 1600 Waukau Rd., Omro.