Thomas J. Lee

Thomas Jerome Lee, 70, passed away in Lancaster, California on April 7, 2024. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Helen, and all who knew him.

Tom was born on June 4, 1953, in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin where he spent his childhood, graduating from Chippewa Falls Senior High School in 1971. He received a bachelor's degree from UW-Eau Claire and then his doctorate at the Southern California School of Optometry. Tom stayed in California as an optometrist finishing his career at Kaiser-Permanente in Lancaster, California in 2020. After 32 years at Kaiser, Tom got to know and watch many of his patients grow from childhood to adulthood. He cherished those relationships along with the many colleagues that became his friends.

More than anything Tom enjoyed spending time around his home with Helen and their various cats and dogs. Tending to the care of his house, landscaping, and reading occupied his time. His hometown of Chippewa Falls was always close to his heart. For many years he returned for a monthly visit with family and friends. There were times in his life when he knew more about the happenings in Chippewa Falls than those of us living here.

Tom is survived by his loving wife in Lancaster, CA, Helen Gabel; his siblings, Dan (Susan) Lee of Reno, NV, Mary (Larry) Wiltrout of Chippewa Falls, WI, Terri (Jim) Nyman of Black River Falls, WI, and Steve (Cindy) Lee of Chippewa Falls. Jerome Lee, Tracy Davis, Ryan Wiltrout, Jessi Joles, Jamey Wiltrout, Torrey Nyman, Andy Nyman, Steve Nyman, Benjamin Lee, and Michael Lee are his nieces and nephews that he always took interest in.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents Jerome (Lefty) and Marilyn (Kelly) Lee. His memory will forever be in our hearts.

A memorial service will be held at Pederson-Volker Funeral Home on Monday, April 22. Visitation begins at 1:00 pm followed by a short service at 1:30 pm.  All are welcome to join us at the SandBar and Grill on Lake Wissota following the service to share stories and remember our dear Tom.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Fund for Chippewa County are preferred, payable to the Community Foundation of Chippewa County, PO Box 153, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729.