Born to Eternal Life Thursday, June 1, 2023 at the age of 96, our father died peacefully and has reunited with our beloved mother, Marie, the love of his life for 72 years who died recently.

Beloved father of Katherine (the late James) De Preter Bedenko, Paul (Michele) and Elizabeth (John) Biskaduros.

Devoted grandfather of Nicholas (Andrea) De Preter, Matthew “Chip” (Trisha) De Preter, Brendan Konrath, Peter (Paige) Biskaduros, Lauren (Matthew) Konrath Foglesong, Christian (Ashley) Biskaduros, Gabrielle Biskaduros, Ryan Konrath, Jacob Biskaduros and Jordan Biskaduros.

Adored great-grandfather of Whitman De Preter, Dean De Preter and Hansel De Preter, John Foglesong and Rowan Elizabeth Biskaduros.

Lee was born November 16, 1926, in Milwaukee to Alfred Steven Konrath and Elanora "Ella" Louisa Wiedmeyer.  He is preceded in death by his dear brother Gerald "Jerry" Konrath and sons-in-law Peter De Preter and James Bedenko.

On November 23, 1950, Lee married Marie, “the most beautiful girl in the world” at Saint Catherine’s Catholic Church.  They then began their great adventure.

Together they dutifully raised their children and were devoted to their Catholic faith.  Lee was a dedicated husband, father and provider.  His incredible energy and considerable talents built the homes Marie dreamed of while his adventurous spirit introduced his family to our country and the world.  His eyes glowed like a child’s when he was ice skating, sledding, water skiing, sailing or exploring distant places and countries.  His children’s homes hold the results of his woodworking skills and many self-taught abilities.

Lee was very proud of his service in the United States Marine Corps which left an indelible mark on him and his family.  Why join the Marines?  “I wanted to be the best” was his simple response.

Lee was a lifelong Milwaukee area resident other than his military service in the Marines and the Pacific theater.

Lee had a life-long passion for airplanes and flying.  He fulfilled his dream of learning to fly and always had airplane models that he built and flew somewhere in the house.  This passion turned toward sailing where he applied his knowledge of aerodynamics, frequently taking first in MAST races with close friends.

The true measure of Lee is shown in his commitment to serve others starting with his duty to America during World War II and then in his 37-year commitment to the citizens and youths of Whitefish Bay.  He was proudest of the safety measures he put in place to protect the young including cycling programs and the Wisconsin law advocating for the protection of children which he helped bring to fruition.  Along the way, Lee served the Cub Scouts of St Nicholas parish, the students of Dominican High School and the parishioners of St Eugene's Parish through their St. Vincent de Paul Society. Later in life, Lee drove our Veterans around Milwaukee and to their VA appointments “because he could and they needed me”.

Lee was happiest when he was moving.  His commitment to his baseball team, his volleyball team and his sailing were legendary.  He and Marie could be seen on their daily tandem bicycle rides around Fox Point and Whitefish Bay and to St Eugene’s for morning mass.

God gave Lee a very strong Servant's Heart and he used it to its fullest.  Now he rests in the Lord.

Visitation Saturday, June 24, from 11:00 AM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 12 Noon in the Milwaukee Catholic Home-St Anne's Chapel, 2462 N Prospect Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53211.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Semper Fi Fund & America’s Fund,  https://thefund.org or https://thefund.org/donate/ appreciated.