Obituary for Lee A. Waltner

Lee Alan Waltner was born January 11, 1977 in Freeman, South Dakota to Dr. Lonnie Lee Waltner and Mary Etta (Ratzlaff) Waltner. He was baptized upon confession of faith at Salem Mennonite Church while in high school at Freeman Academy, and graduated from University of Northwestern – St. Paul in Roseville, Minnesota in 1999. Lee married Katie Tesch on May 29th, 2004 in Shakopee, Minnesota and they lived in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, where he was employed as a surgical tech with Fairview.

Lee was a devoted follower of Jesus whose faith shone through in every circumstance. He and his family faithfully attended Grace Fellowship in Brooklyn Park, where he served as a drummer on the worship team. Lee’s hobbies and interests – which ranged from Minnesota Vikings football to fishing and from a good motorcycle ride to great barbeque – were pursued with passion and as often as possible, shared with his family and friends.

Lee treasured relationships and was intensely loyal as a husband, father, son, brother, uncle, employee and friend. His circle was large but there was always room for more. He relished giving gifts to those in his life, especially when the gift captured the unique essence of its recipient and came with a “good story behind it.” In particular, Lee counted his wife and daughters as special gifts from God and expressed that to them (and those around them) at every opportunity.

Lee is preceded in death by his mother, Mary and sister, Melissa. He is survived by his wife, Katie; 3 daughters, Jazmin, Unity, Alyx; his father, Lonnie; and two siblings, Lynell (Waltner) Weeg and Jay Waltner.

The family requests donations be made out to “Katie Waltner” in lieu of flowers.