May 20, 1938 – December 2, 2022
Lee Charles Carver Jr., age 84, passed away on Friday, December 2, 2022 after a year long battle with cancer. He was born on May 20, 1938 in St. Paul. Lee graduated from Rockford High School in 1956, and honorably served his country in The United States Army.
On August 22, 1964, Lee married Jean Carol Phillips in Tomah, WI. They were blessed with three children, Kevin, Angie and Stacy, and raised them in their home in Montrose, where they lived for 57 years before moving to Praha Village in New Prague. Family was always Lee’s first priority, though he did find time to enjoy numerous activities. He played competitive softball for many years, well into his 40s. Lee was a true car enthusiast, owning several red Corvettes during his retirement years, and co-founded the local Corvette Club. He also owned a few hot rods in his later years, winning first place at a local car show just months before his death.
Lee held many roles in rubber manufacturing during his career, starting as an entry-level molder, and working his way up into management. In his early 60s, when most would be looking forward to retirement, he founded a successful silicone manufacturing company, Sil-Pro, which employed 350 people by the time it sold.
Lee is survived by his loving wife of 58 years: Jean Carver; children: Kevin (Kathi) Carver, Angie (Chris) Neisen and Stacy (Craig) Furtney; grandchildren: Ryan, Grace and Nate Carver; Steffi (Mac) Williams and Kenzie Neisen; Megan, Ben and Jake Furtney; brothers: Eddie Carver and John (Pat) Carver; sister: Carol Jackson; brother-in-law: Roger Johnson; and many other relatives and friends. Lee was preceded in death by two grandchildren Samuel and Thomas Neisen, parents Lee Charles and Edna Louise (Schmit) Carver Sr., brother Jerry Carver, sister Donna Mae Johnson, brother-in-law David Jackson and sister-in-law Sandy Carver.
The visitation will be on Sunday, December 11th, 2022 from 2-5 P.M. at the Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, December 12, 2022 at 10:00 A.M. at The Delano American Legion, followed by a luncheon, with additional visitation time at 9:30 A.M. before the service.
Lee was truly one of a kind, always putting others ahead of himself. He loved his family deeply – he didn’t often say it in words, but always showed it in his actions. This loss has left a huge hole in so many hearts, but his last wish was that everyone stay strong – we should all do our best to move forward and live our lives to their fullest, in his honor.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation Minnesota.
I was saddened to hear of Lee’s passing. I joined the Sil-Pro team when I immigrated to the United States almost 17 years ago, shortly after his retirement. Nevertheless, Lee had never passed me by without a conversation during his many visits here on site. He was indeed a good man. My heart goes out to my former boss, Kevin, and the entire Carver family. The Lord who had given Lee to the world has called him home to rest. May his gentle soul rest in the bosom of the Lord. Thank you for creating an opportunity in Sil-Pro for a refugee boy like me. I’m forever grateful.
Randy Kaydea- Trelleborg(Formerly Sil-Pro)
I am so sorry to hear about Lee, Carey and I send you our condolences to Jean, Kevin, Angie, and Stacy. and the rest of your families. sincerely, Bob and Carey Casey.
I was very sad to hear if Lee’s passing. I worked at Sil-Pro shortly after Lee had retired but I never ever heard a bad word about Lee. He was loved by all. Lee would still come in and visit Sil-Pro often was always excited about his cars and showing me pics and would always show up for work gatherings. What a huge loss.
Sorry to hear of Lee’s passing, great memories of playing softball and basketball together years ago. I loved his competitive nature, but also the great conversations with him off the court. My sympathies and hugs to the Carver family!