Elaine Harriet (Rhodenhizer) Lee died peacefully on January 14, 2025 with her family by her side after a brief time in hospice. Services will be Friday, January 24, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Fairmount Avenue United Methodist Church, 1523 Fairmount Avenue, St. Paul with visitation 2 hours prior.
Elaine was born on July 9, 1945 in Sparta, WI to Lawrence and Nina (Herrman) Rhodenhizer. After graduating from Sparta High School in 1963 she moved to St. Paul, MN. She was the only student at Miller Hospital where she got a certificate as a lab technician. She worked at several clinics in the Twin Cities as a lab technician and then later in the business office, retiring in 2006.
She was united in marriage to Philip Lee on July 14, 1973 at the United Methodist Church in Sparta, WI. They resided in St. Paul, MN where they were dedicated members of Fairmount Avenue United Methodist Church (FAUMC) for many years. Elaine and her husband Phil were part of FAUMC’s youth group Core Committee which voluntarily ran the program (including performances, tours, missions, and fund raising) from 1980 to 1987. In addition, Elaine served as a volunteer on youth retreats, confirmation retreats, fund raisers and other functions. At FAUMC she was a member of the hand bell and vocal choirs, United Methodist Women, a volunteer at Simpson Shelter and volunteered in many other church functions.
Elaine loved traveling and especially spending time on the North Shore with her family and church hiking group. She was a long-time member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO), Chapter BL where she made many long-time friends.
Elaine’s home was always a warm, welcoming place for friends and family to gather. Her pet companion was her cat Teddy and they were wonderful company for each other.
She is survived by her twin sister, Eileen (Richard) Gajewsky of Sparta, WI, nephew Paul (Janice) Gajewsky, niece Amy (Roxroy) Barrett, great-nieces, great-nephews, and many special cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by husband Philip, her parents and her sister Karen Rhodenhizer.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Fairmount Avenue United Methodist Church or The Pillars Hospice Home (Oakdale) in memory of Elaine Lee.
If memorials are made to The Pillars Hospice Home, please donate online or via mail:
www.BeyondHospiceMN.org/donate or
Episcopal Homes Foundation
490 Lynnhurst Ave. E.
St. Paul, MN 55104
A heartfelt thank you to the many friends and neighbors who have supported Elaine and her family throughout her life and during her cancer journey.
