Lee R Ihlenfeldt

Lee R. Ihlenfeldt, age 81, passed peacefully on March 29, 2026. He was born to Stanley and Opal Ihlenfeldt in Two Rivers, WI. The family moved to southern Wisconsin, and Lee graduated from Elkhorn High School in 1962. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy, received his Bachelor of Science in Education from Wisconsin State University-Whitewater, and his Master of Science in Teaching from University of Wisconsin-Superior. His professional career was spent in the Madison Metropolitan School District, first at Madison Memorial High School and next at Van Hise Middle School. His ultimate challenge, which he accomplished with much enthusiasm, was reopening Sherman Middle School, where he worked in the academic position of Learning Coordinator and made sure that students were well-behaved and fed. He retired in 2000 and declared he would never wear a tie again.

While at Whitewater, Lee was a member of the Student-Wisconsin Education Association. In the fall elections, he ran for president and won, which enabled him to meet a petite coed named Mary Minster who was elected treasurer. The board met monthly; when their terms were up, Lee and Mary never quite lost contact. It was after they graduated and secured teaching jobs that they dated, and on June 23, 1973, Lee and Mary formed their own board which lasted almost 53 years. Mary, also an MMSD teacher, retired in 2003. They volunteered at the Overture, Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, the Fitchburg Senior Center, the Fitchburg Library, and for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. At the Henry Vilas Zoo, Lee volunteered at the

carousel and looked forward to having Mary bring the grandchildren, collect their tokens, and wave as they rode around.

Lee loved the outdoors and was an avid hiker and biker. He found a purpose to be outside when he and Mary purchased two acres of wooded land near Black River Falls, WI. On this property stood a small, aged house trailer that kept out the rain, but not the mice. The plumbing consisted of an outdoor pump and an outhouse, and the predominant trees were junk. Five years later, the land was proud of the white pines, and with Lee’s organizational strengths and the help of family and friends, a garage and a cabin were constructed. At the back of the property was a pond called “Lake Sometimes” because it came and went with the rain.

In 1978, son Mark was joyfully received. In a few years, he needed a yard to play in, and the family moved from Madison to Fitchburg. In 1981, son Douglas made the family complete. The cabin was a location for beach time, the roller-rink, and campfires, and a place where Lee installed a knowledge of tools and a work ethic in his sons. The family traveled for fun and education, but their favorite mode was “cruising.” With great pride, Lee witnessed his sons achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.

While dating, Lee told Mary, “Stick with me, and you’ll go places.” So true! On tours, they biked hundreds of miles in Europe; counted polar bears in Churchill; climbed the Great Wall; went on safari in Kenya. They traveled to all seven continents, returning from Antarctica in December of 2019, just before the world closed.

Lee developed Alzheimer’s disease and later was diagnosed with a rare form, posterior cortical atrophy, which eventually compromised his vision. He lived at home with Mary’s care until early February 2026. In his last two months, he was blessed to live at BeeHive Memory Care in Oregon, WI, where he peacefully passed on March 29, 2026.

Lee will be remembered for his intelligence, organization, humor, stubbornness and sharp retort. You wanted him on your side. He loved giving gifts and the element of surprise.

He is survived by his beloved wife Mary who was his rock; his sons of whom he was so proud, Mark (Jen) and Doug (Pam); his cherished grandchildren Sophia, Henrick and Piper with whom he fed the birds in the back yard and ate peanuts on the front porch; his brother Dick (Sandee) and in-laws Janet (Steve), Andy, Phil (Laura), and Trish (Tom); nieces and nephews Heather, Jenn (Chad), Curt (Katie), Russ (Sara), Amanda (Joe), Becky (Bill), AJ, Mike (Erika), Carly (Nate), and Danielle (Nick); a wealth of extended family; two longtime friends John Nettesheim and Steve Berglund (Pat), the sum of which Mary called the three musketeers; and a lap-sitting granddog named Luigi. Lee was preceded in death by aunts and uncles, his dear Gramma Esther with whom he traveled in his university years (“two peas in a pod”) and his Grandpa Roy who was his “best friend” as a child; his maternal grandparents, James and Iva Smith; his parents Stanley and Opal; and his parents-in-law Bernadette and Arthur Minster, whom Lee greatly enjoyed.

Our regards to the supportive staff at Agrace Adult Day Center where Lee spent two enjoyable years. Very special thanks to Jessie, house manager at

BeeHive, and her exceptional staff who so knowledgably and kindly cared for Lee in what would be his last home. Deep appreciation to the Agrace nurses, especially Kristin and Megan, who so gently supported Mary and Lee in his final days. Sincere gratitude to all the friends, neighbors and family who offered to help, assisted Mary at home with indoor and outdoor chores, brought food, and provided companionship, transportation, and medical support for Lee. You know who you are, and our hearts have touched forever.

Lee’s funeral will be on May 16, Armed Forces Day, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4100 Nakoma Road, Madison WI, 53711. Visitation will be from 9:30-11:00, followed by a service, military honors, and lunch. The church parking lot is small, so allow time to walk in from street parking. An elevator is available from the Yuma Street entrance to the sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, please consider the following:

Lee requested that donations be directed to the Friends of the Fitchburg Library, 5530 E. Lacy Rd., Fitchburg WI, 53711, or the Fitchburg Senior Center (Memo: Programming), 5510 E. Lacy Rd., Fitchburg WI, 53711.

Mary respectfully adds the Agrace Foundation, 5395 E. Cheryl Pkwy., Madison WI, 53711, or an organization of your choice.