John Knute Lee, 99, of Austin, Minnesota, died on Thursday, Dec. 27, 2018, at The Cedars.

John was born Dec. 9, 1919, to Knute and Sophia (Braaten) Lee. He attended school in Waltham, Minnesota, and worked at Hormel Foods. Following his retirement from Hormel Foods, he worked for King Maintenance for 10 years. John married Martha Melc on Jan. 14, 1942, at Queen of Angels Catholic Church.

John was a member of Queen of Angels and Olaf B. Damm VFW Post 1216. He liked to watch the Minnesota Twins, the Vikings and other sporting events. He especially enjoyed attending the sporting events of his grandchildren and great–grandsons. He also enjoyed gardening.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Obert, Ted and Henry Lee; and sisters, Blanche Baumgartner and Bertha Aaby.

John is survived by his wife of nearly 77 years, Martha Lee, Austin; daughter and son-in-law, Joyce and Earl Edland, Rose Creek, Minnesota; two grandchildren, Elton (Stacy) Edland, Rose Creek, and Jorine Edland (Matt Schrader), Rochester, Minnesota; two great-grandsons, Connor and Nicholas Edland, Rose Creek; and nieces.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 31, 2018, at Queen of Angels Catholic Church with Father Marty Schaefer officiating. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery with Olaf B. Damm VFW Post 1216 and American Legion Post 91 in charge of military rites. Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.