Obituary
Nancy (Havlik) Lee, 72, of Ionia, IA, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones.
Nancy was born on November 28, 1952, in Cresco, IA, to Francis and Gertrude Havlik. She grew up in Elma, IA, alongside her two sisters and three brothers. In 1971, she welcomed her first child, Francine Marie Havlik.
Nancy began her career at Sara Lee, where she worked for 28 years. In 1977, she met James Lee, and the two were married in 1983. Together, they raised two sons, Jeremy James Lee and Jesse Francis Lee, and built their home first in New Hampton before later settling in Ionia. In 1999, Nancy began working at Zoetis, where she remained until her retirement in 2018.
Nancy will be remembered for her radiant smile, contagious laugh, and love of life. She enjoyed trips to the casino, playing cards with friends and family, and most of all, spending time with her grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Gertrude Havlik; her brother, Rich Havlik; and her brother-in-law, Ed Madsen.
Nancy is survived by her husband, Jim Lee; daughter, Francine (Rick Kenyon) Havlik; sons, Jeremy (Emily) Lee and Jesse Lee; sisters, Betty Madsen and Terri (John) Bryan; brothers, Gene (Patti) Havlik and Merle (Barbara) Havlik; four beloved grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society. A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held on Saturday, September 20th at the Hide-A-Way Lounge in Ionia, IA, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Nancy was born on November 28, 1952, in Cresco, IA, to Francis and Gertrude Havlik. She grew up in Elma, IA, alongside her two sisters and three brothers. In 1971, she welcomed her first child, Francine Marie Havlik.
Nancy began her career at Sara Lee, where she worked for 28 years. In 1977, she met James Lee, and the two were married in 1983. Together, they raised two sons, Jeremy James Lee and Jesse Francis Lee, and built their home first in New Hampton before later settling in Ionia. In 1999, Nancy began working at Zoetis, where she remained until her retirement in 2018.
Nancy will be remembered for her radiant smile, contagious laugh, and love of life. She enjoyed trips to the casino, playing cards with friends and family, and most of all, spending time with her grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Gertrude Havlik; her brother, Rich Havlik; and her brother-in-law, Ed Madsen.
Nancy is survived by her husband, Jim Lee; daughter, Francine (Rick Kenyon) Havlik; sons, Jeremy (Emily) Lee and Jesse Lee; sisters, Betty Madsen and Terri (John) Bryan; brothers, Gene (Patti) Havlik and Merle (Barbara) Havlik; four beloved grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society. A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held on Saturday, September 20th at the Hide-A-Way Lounge in Ionia, IA, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
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