Judeen Ardell Lee, 88, of Newman Grove, passed away Thursday, April 25, 2024, at the Good Samaritan Society in Albion.

Judeen, daughter of Audren and Evelyn (Hallgren) Swanson, was born on Feb. 26, 1936, in Platte County, NE. She was baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church in Newman Grove and confirmed at Immanuel Zion Lutheran Church, South Branch, near Albion. She attended District 18 Platte County and District 45 Madison County and graduated from Newman Grove High School in 1953. After graduating from high school at age 17, she taught school one year at District 38 in Boone County. She then enrolled in Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD, where she earned a 2-year elementary teaching certificate. Judeen taught at District 8 in Boone County for two years.

Judeen was united in marriage to Ronald K. Lee on July 29, 1956 at Immanual Zion Lutheran Church, South Branch, near Albion. To this union were born four children: Marcia, Connie, Kent and Tracey. Judeen and Ronald engaged in farming northwest of Newman Grove until retiring to Newman Grove in 2005.

Judeen did substitute teaching, worked part-time at the Newman Grove Creamery and then worked a couple of years part-time at the Two-Town Veterinary Clinic in Newman Grove. She taught Sunday School and Bible School for many years and served on the Church Council and attended Circle, helped serve meals and soup suppers. She was also a 4-H Leader for 10 years. She and Ronald enjoyed square dancing for over 25 years and card club with their friends. They enjoyed wood working together for many years and she refinished antique and other furniture for family and herself.

Judeen is survived by: son Kent (Lori) Lee of Albion, three daughters: Marcia (John) Wald of Columbus, Connie (Dan) Lindenstein of Lincoln and Tracey (Jackson) Moore of Columbus, grandsons: Eric Lindenstein, Adam Lindenstein and Dylan (Kayla) Lindenstein, all of Lincoln, and Justin Lee of Newman Grove, granddaughters: Sarah (Tom) Fisher of Lincoln, Audra (Sarah) Moore of Pocatello, ID, Rachel (fiancé, Eric Vanecek) Lee of Papillion and Emma Moore of Columbus, great grandchildren: Cora, Brooks and Hayes Fisher, Declan and Kaisley Lindenstein, all of Lincoln, sister Janice (Bill) Halbur of Omaha, sister-in-law Kathleen Lee of Albion, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Judeen was preceded in death by her husband Ronald, parents Audren and Evelyn Swanson, mother and father-in-law: Selmer and Julia Lee, brothers-in-law: Dennis and Arthur Lee.

Funeral services were held Monday, April 29, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church at Newman Grove with Deacon Claire Meyer officiating. Burial followed at Hope Cemetery in Newman Grove.

Levander Funeral Home of Newman Grove was is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.levanderfuneralhome. com.