Thomas “Rusty” Jay Lee

Thomas “Rusty” Jay Lee, age 62, of Hessel, Michigan, died at War Memorial Hospital on January 5, 2022, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. He was born on May 21, 1958, in Sault Ste. Marie, to Ellsworth and Lena Marie (Beaudry) Lee.

Rusty attended Pickford and Cedarville High School. He moved the Sault Ste. Marie and met Irene Marie Hawley, who he married on November 14, 1998. She encouraged him to pursue his passions and he worked on cars for everyone in the area. He was a caretaker and handy man for a local man for many years.

Rusty loved wood working and loved to help others around him. Rusty was a kind man who will be very missed.

Rusty is survived by his son, Thomas (Lee Jr.) Bennett of Lansing, Michigan; and grandson; brothers, Ron (Roberta) Lee of Drummond Island, Michigan, Pat (Lisa) lee of Pickford, Michigan, and John Nancy Lee of St. Ignace, Michigan; sister, Sharon White of Sault Ste. Marie; brothers & sisters-in-law, Louie Mills of Detour and Robert Winberg of Cedarville, Michigan, Michigan Robin Lee, Denise VeltKamp, Bonnie Clayton, Jennie Magoon, Kathy Trader, Margaret (Mike) Carriere, George (Gayle) Hawley, Tim (Jenny) Hawley, Jeff (Dawn) Hawley, Sam Hawley, Brian Hawley, and Kris (Nicole) Hawley; and many nieces and nephews.

Rusty is preceded in death by his parents, Ellsworth and Lena; wife, Irene Marie Lee; sisters, Ruth Winberg, Terry Linderman, Lorna Lee, Marcie Lee, Betty (Jerry) Smith, and Violet Mills; brothers, Marshall Lee, Marion Lee, Ellsworth Lee Jr.; and brother-in-law, Lenny White.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Spring 2022.

Galer Funeral Homes & Cremation in Pickford, Michigan is serving the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.galerfuneralhomes.com.