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(Thursday - January
07, 2021) - Lee Raymond Meneghini, age 77, of Norway, passed away on
Monday, January 4, after a courageous battle with COVID-19 at the
Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, WI.
Lee was born
September 3, 1943 to Edwin and Dorothy (Awerdick) Meneghini in Laurium,
Michigan and graduated from Norway High School with the class of 1961.
Lee enlisted in the US Army and served in the Vietnam War. Upon
returning, he worked at Vertin's Department Store, the City of Norway,
the Niagara paper mill for 29 years and then part-time in retirement at
Lofholm's Building Center and Ortman Funeral Home. Lee's life can be
summarized in four passions; Faith, Community, Country and Family.
Faith. Lee was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of
Norway and served at various times as a eucharistic minister, an usher
and a member of the Parish Council.
Country. Lee served in the
Vietnam War with the 101st Airborne Division and was honorably
discharged in December 1966. He received numerous service badges and
medals for his time in the Service. He was a lifetime member of Norvulet
VFW Post #4581 and the Hall-Dewinter Post #145 American Legion where he
frequently assisted with Sunday morning breakfast. On many 4th of July
and Memorial Day parades he often entered a float showing his support of
fellow veterans.
Community. Lee was very active within the Norway
community his entire life. He served on the Norway City Council for 15
years and on various boards including the Planning Commission, the Jake
Menghini Museum, the Senior Center, Parks and Recreation and the Zoning
Board of Appeals. He also was a 21 year member of the Norway Volunteer
Fire Department. Lee was an avid Norway Knights fan, along with Marge,
they were often seen at numerous sporting events at home and away games.
They received the Fan of the Year in 2016 from the Norway Knights
Booster Club.
Family. Lee had a large extended family. He is
survived by his loving wife of 50 years Marge (Bal) Meneghini. Lee and
Marge had three sons: Paul (Carla) of Duluth, Minnesota, Rico (Amanda)
of Norway, and Lucas (Vivian) of Austin, Texas. Lee was very proud of
his boys. He was a proud papa and blessed with seven grandchildren:
Charlotte, Kasey, Carson, Marco, Milo, Mario and Chiamara that truly
made his heart sing. He is survived by siblings: Lynne (Charles)
Wiethoff, Monica (Allan) Erickson, Beth Ann "Boofer" Anderson, Elise
(Richard) Hermsen, Neil (Karen) Meneghini, Mark (Pam) Meneghini and
in-laws: George (Betty) Bal, Marie Devine, Marie Bal, Joan Bal, Bernice
Bal, Janice Tinti, Joan Tinti, Larry (Sue) Tinti, Patsy (Bill) Zanona
and numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
He was
preceded in death by: his parents and brother Dennis Meneghini, in-laws;
George Anderson, Robert Devine, Edward "Edgie" Bal, Walter Bal, John Bal,
Joseph "Tata" Bal, Ernest Tinti, George Tinti, Marjorie Bal and Rae
Tinti.
He was an avid runner for 35 years and on weekends would
travel across the UP and northern Wisconsin to participate in races. The
most anticipated time of the year was the annual Norway Spring Classic.
He would often be seen jogging along US 2 in his colorful running gear.
But, he was most at comfort in his backyard gathering firewood and
hosting bonfires with neighbors, friends and family and sharing a cold
Silver Bullet and a good laugh.
When he wasn't running, he would
often be having coffee with the guys, challenging any and all to a game
of cribbage and expressing his frustrations of the futility of the
Detroit Lions. His wit and sense of humor will be missed by all.
Lee's family would like to thank the doctors and nurses who provided him
care over the past 6 weeks at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in
Iron Mountain and the Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee.
In
lieu of flowers, and because of Lee's passion and commitment to local
youth sports, the family will be making a donation to the NVAS Athletic
Booster Club.
A celebration of life will be held in the summer of
2021.
The Ortman Funeral Home of Norway is in charge of
arrangements.
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