Lee M. Roberts, 73, passed away peacefully Sunday October 20, 2024 after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease at Charleston House in Beaver Dam.

Born December 8, 1950 in Rio, WI to parents Glenn and Louise Roberts. Lee graduated from Rio High School in 1969 after a 4-sport high school career. His athletic ability led him to collegiate success, where he was team captain of the 1972 MATC baseball team, and later honored with induction into the MATC Hall of Fame in 1984. He continued his education at UW- Whitewater, graduating with honors in 1974.

A man of many unique talents, Lee dominated the United States watermelon seed spitting circuit throughout the 1970s, capturing 5 championships and setting a then-world record in 1973 with a winning distance of 38’ 6 3/4”. Never one to reveal his full training regimen, Lee only shared with his immense fanbase that one of his secrets was practicing with corn kernels for the added weight. Also during this time, Lee began his Rio Home Talent baseball career as both a player and manager. A feared batter all the way until his retirement in the early 90s, Lee went out with a bang, going 2-3 in his last game with 2 home runs, the second coming on the last at- bat of his career.

Lee had a long and successful career as an insurance loss prevention consultant, due in part to his gift for presentation. His insurance seminars were more like educational stand-up routines. He began officiating high school sports in 1973 and achieved Level 5 Master Official in four different sports. Lee and his officiating partner Mike Gest were chosen to officiate multiple state tournaments. Lee also dedicated time to educating fellow officials, players, coaches, and parents on rule changes and sportsmanship. After retiring in 2013 Lee was honored as an inductee to the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame as a referee.

Lee also served on numerous boards and committees, including the Yellow Thunder Officials Association, the Columbia County Conservation Board, the Arlington Mutual Bank board of directors, and the Portage Elks. A steward of safety in all walks of life, he also taught drivers’ and hunter’s education at various times throughout his life.

In his fleeting leisure time, Lee had a passion for all things outdoors, and took as much pride in providing quality habitat for the wild animals on his property as he did in harvesting several trophy deer, turkeys, elk, and fish. He married the love of his life, Marigrace, on December 16, 2001, and together they enjoyed traveling internationally along with the ponds and woods on their estate, always with their adored yellow labs. Marigrace spent every day by his side and restlessly advocated for his care as his Parkinson’s took hold, there with him until the end.

A generous, hilarious, and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Lee is survived by his wife of 23 years, Marigrace, his son Reed Roberts (Jessica), grandchildren Jameson and Gabriella, his brother Dean Roberts (Toni), sister Linda Stueck (Allen), former wife Amy Roberts, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He also leaves behind his Charleston House “family” of nurses and caretakers who adored him and his stories.

Funeral services will be held Monday, October 28, 2024 at 4 P.M at Grasse Funeral Home in Rio. Visitation will be held at 2 P.M until the time of service on Monday. Memorials may be made to the Columbia County Humane Society in Lee's memory.