In loving memory of

Frederick Thom Lee
February 24, 1945 - May 10, 2020

Frederick (Skip) Thom Lee passed away unexpectedly on May 10, 2020, at the age of 75. He was born to George Allen Lee and Burnadette O. (Jensen) Lee on February 24, 1945, in Muskegon, MI. He married the love of his life, Kathleen M. (Keefe) Lee on July 22, 1972. Fred was a fun and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He loved his family with everything he had. His kids will never need to wonder if he was proud of them... he was very proud and talked about them with everyone he met. Everyone. His wife, children, and grandchildren were undoubtedly the light of his life. He was a giving person and always helped people any way that he could whether they were family, a friend, or a stranger. He had an amazing ability to connect - with his positive energy, endless generosity, humor, and heart-on-his-sleeve authentic presence.

Fred, a retired Patternmaker and Founder of Muskegon County Musclecar Club was also an inventor, Founder of HammerHead IRS Differentials & National Foundryman's Society Casting of the Year Finalist. He was a NHRA/IHRA/NMCA record holding drag racer and an accomplished racing engine builder and owner of ET Enterprises Speed Shop.



He graduated from Reeths-Puffer high school in 1963, attended Muskegon Community College and Ferris State University. Later in life, he went back to school to continue learning the latest technology in his industry - an example for his children to always continue learning.



Fred is survived by his wife Kathy (Keefe) Lee of forty-eight years, his children and spouses, Jeffrey (Sarah) Lee, Rebekah (Adam) Lee-Beard, Elizabeth (Phillip) Lee-Schullo and John Lee. Grandchildren Henry Lee and Josephine Beard. Brother Randy (Angela) Lee and sister Sandy (Larry) Pawlowski, his beloved mother-in-law Rosemary Keefe and many dear in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. We will greatly miss Fred, Skip, Dad, Papa, Poppy Raisins.



No public memorial will be planned at this time due to the Covid-19 Global Pandemic. A celebration of life will be scheduled once it is safe to gather together.



In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Loaves & Fishes and Johnson Cancer Center of Muskegon.


Tributes

Keith Erdman wrote on May 29, 2020:

"Skip helped me build my first engine. In 1969 I was fresh back from Vietnam and out of the Marine Corps. That friendship has last over 50 years although we did not see each often due to my career in the State Police. But once back in the area in 1982 Skip was one of the first people I looked and met Kathy his wonderful wife. We talked of old times the 67 Camero and my 57 Chevy. It was always about cars and drag racing. I raced NHRA in 70 and 71 when I had the money. Looks like he?s still got. Me talking car. Fred was like an older brother and he taught me a lot. Kathy, while I?m still alive if you need anything even just to talk call. Connie and I will be here for you. You have a wonderful family and that also helps during these time. God Bless and keep you tightly wrapped in his arms when you need it. "

Luellyn Hensley wrote on May 27, 2020:

"To my favorite family, Im sending you love and lots of warm thoughts while you navigate the sadness of Skip?s loss. He was a great man who raised some amazing children. I enjoyed his company and loved loved loved the sparkle and twinkle in his eyes. ???"

Daniel Keefe wrote on May 27, 2020:

"To the Keefe/Lee family. I am so sorry for your loss. My condolences to you all and may he rest in Peace. Daniel and Elaine Keefe Troy, NY "

Deb and Scott Tilton wrote on May 26, 2020:

"We are so sorry to hear about Skip. He was the nicest guy and a good friend. Scott said he and Skip were always scheming about some car thing or another. He will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this tough time. May God's arms wrap around you and keep you steady. "

Bobby Lundholm wrote on May 26, 2020:

"Heartbroken to hear Fred has passed. We didn?t get to spend a lot of time together but when we did we talked about cars, engines, and future projects to work on. A quick 10 minute stop to chat always turned into 2 hours. He helped me out a lot with the race car, and I hope I returned the favor to him as well. A great guy, person, and someone I considered a great friend. Still doesn?t feel real. I should be getting a text from him, or I should be seeing a red HHR full of parts pulling into my driveway. Rest In Peace Fred."

Meredith Simpson wrote on May 26, 2020:

"What a wonderful legacy he has left you all. I loved how he always had coupons for Brady. So funny and so thoughtful! "

Kathy & Lee Andrews wrote on May 26, 2020:

"Sending our prayers for strength and comfort. Such a wonderful life and precious memories!"

Nancy Bourdo wrote on May 24, 2020:

"Kathy and family, Your whole family offered so much love to our mother when she was alive that we want you all to feel that love back at you at this sad time. May the peace of Christ be with you all. The family of Aldine Petrick"