Lee James Isaacson, age 71, passed away at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, MN on January 27, 2023. He was born in St. Croix Falls, WI to Ceylon and Grace (Swenson) Isaacson on January 27, 1952. Lee graduated from Osceola High School in 1970 and the next day, he boarded a plane to San Diego, CA to join the Navy. He served as a medical corpsman in the Navy for 4 years, with one year in Vietnam offshore in a hospital ship and three years at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Chicago, working as a Petty Officer in dentistry. He then served two years in the Naval Reserve.
Upon his return from the service, Lee enrolled at the University of Wisconsin - River Falls, completing a bachelor’s degree in Sociology with minors in Journalism and Philosophy. He worked as a DJ at the college radio station and then worked as a radio announcer for New Richmond Radio and was known for his character, Uncle Ole. He made great use of his wonderful speaking voice.
Lee worked at Osceola High School as a custodian for a few years and then transitioned into the field of medical transcription, graduating from WITC, New Richmond. He worked at the St. Croix Regional Medical Center in St. Croix Falls for 15 years, until his retirement.
Lee was united in marriage with the love of his life, his “Lovey,” Maggie, on April 16, 2005.
Lee enjoyed listening to all kinds of music from old time country to classical music, coin collecting, and doing voice impersonations. He was known for his beautiful penmanship and unique interaction with backyard wildlife, including feral cats. He enjoyed his pub visits, dispensing medical advice and sharing his wry humor. He also enjoyed watching the grandkids grow up.
Lee was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Michael Isaacson.
Lee is survived by his wife, Margaret Isaacson; his aunt, Helen McCourt; step-children, Elizabeth (Nathan) Bier, Paul (Jessica Vossen) Speich, and Sarah (Micheal) Hill; step-grandchildren, Christian Speich, James Speich, Alex Hill, Olivia Hill,and Genevieve Hill, in addition to many cousins, relatives and friends, as well as his two long-time faithful cat companions, Walter and Missy.
Lee’s memorial service will be at Peace Lutheran Church in Dresser, WI on Friday, February 17 at 11 am with visitation beginning at 10 am before the service. Rev. Lori Peper will officiate. A luncheon will follow the inurnment at Peace Lutheran cemetery and military rites. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Rowe Funeral Home in Luck, WI.
