John "J.T."

Thomas Lees

Obituary

John Thomas "J.T." Lees age 80, died unexpectedly at home on September 1, 2020 in Lake Mills, WI.

He was born on April 20, 1940 to Thomas and Alice (Leichtle) Lees in Lake Mills.

John's early years were spent as an alter boy and in Troop 148 of The Boy Scouts where he was a member of the "Order Of The Arrow Brotherhood". Many wonderful summers were spent water skiing on Rock Lake and playing American Legion Baseball. John's evenings were spent managing his father's "Lake Theatre". John's senior year he led the basketball team to the sectionals and the baseball team to the State before the WIAA had divisions.

John attended The University of Wisconsin-Madison where he played freshman baseball. He was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon "SAE" Fraternity as a social chairman and member of the humorology play. John graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics.

John served in The Army at Fort Leonard Wood Missouri during the "Cuban Missile Crisis" and later with the 44 ^th General Hospital Army Reserve in Madison. He is a member of the American Legion Post 67 in Lake Mills.

John and his brother, Michael, owned and operated Tyranena Golf Club in Lake Mills during their working years. In the winter months, John enjoyed downhill skiing, racquetball, jogging, vacationing to Florida and Arizona golf.

John is survived by three daughters Lindsey Lees-Decker, Tiffany Congdon, Jeanette Walling; one son, Todd Aartsen; Grandchildren Quinn Decker, Cayl Congdon and Scott Aartsen; Son-in-law Nick Congdon; Brother, Michael Lees (Carolyn) and former wife Katy.

John was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Patsy Lees and daughter-in-law, Cindy Aartsen.

Services to honor John on Wednesday September 9 ^th , 2020 are as follows:

Visitation 10:00 – 11:45 (Claussen Funeral Home, Lake Mills)

Mass of Christian Burial 12:00 – 12:45 (St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Lake Mills)

Gravesite Celebration with Military Honors at Rock Lake Cemetery, Lake Mills

In lieu of flowers, our family asks that you make a donation to the John T. Lees Memorial Fund. All funds will go toward creating a memorial to be placed at the beach or local park in Lake Mills. Checks can be made out to: John T. Lees Memorial Fund and mailed to Premier Bank 70 N. Main St. Fort Atkinson WI 53538.

www.claussenfuneralhome.com