Blaine Lee

Blaine W. Lee, 55, of Wahpeton, ND, passed away, Monday, March 26, 2018 at Sanford Health, Fargo, ND. The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 31, at Bethel Lutheran Church, in Wahpeton led by Rev. Erika Buller. Visitation will be Friday, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. Prayer Service at Vertin-Munson Funeral Home, Wahpeton, ND. There will also be visitation one hour before the service at the church on Saturday. Interment will be in Rutland, ND. Arrangements have been entrusted with Vertin-Munson Funeral Home, Wahpeton.

Blaine William Lee was born October 3, 1962 in Lawrenceburg, IN. Born to a military family, Blaine lived in many places, some as far as Frankfurt, Germany. But eventually his home settled in North Dakota where he attended grade school in Sargent County, and graduated from Sargent Central High in 1980. After high school, Blaine enlisted in the US Army and was stationed in Korea where he met and married his first wife Hye Kyong. After Blaine received his Honorary Discharge from the military the couple moved to Williston, N.D. where they had their daughter Amanda. They were married for five years before separating due to cultural differences, and have remained friends since. After a couple of moves within the Midwest, Blaine and his daughter moved to Spokane, WA, where he worked as one of the head Retail Sales managers of Sun Rental. In 2002, Blaine and Amanda returned to North Dakota to be closer to family settling in Wahpeton. He then remarried in 2006 to Kari Wanzek, and moved to Jamestown, ND where in 2008 they had their son Russell. It was there that he worked as a Correction Officer, a career he was truly proud of and enjoyed. However, due to his deteriorating health Blaine was forced to retire early from Jamestown Corrections. In 2010 Blaine and Kari divorced due to irreconcilable differences, and after a time, chose to continue as good friends. From there, Blaine and his son Russell moved to be closer to his daughter Amanda and family.

Most recently, Blaine has enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. His sharp wit and incorrigible sense of humor were appreciated by many. He became a regular at Bethel Lutheran Church where he enjoyed attending Wednesday night services with his children and grandchild. He loved to visit with his parents, and siblings, and sit with his dog (Ruffly). Most of all, he was an outstanding father whose priority was his children, and their wellbeing. He worked hard to take care of them all the way up to his last breath and beyond.

Blaine is survived by his daughter, Amanda (Andrew) Lunsetter and their daughter, Rhapsody; his son Russell Lee, all of Wahpeton; his parents, Joan and Ted Lee, Cayuga, ND; sister, Laurie Lee, Gwinner, ND; two brothers, Shane (Carla) Lee, Wheaton, MN; and Nathan Lee, Havana, ND, several nieces, nephews and great nephews and great nieces.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

Blaine's Memorial Folder