Louis "Louie" James Lee of Tiffin, Ohio, passed away on Feb. 21, 2022, just days after celebrating his 99th birthday. He passed at his home at St. Francis Villas, where he was accompanied by his loving wife of 75 years, Millie (Swint) Lee.

Louie was born on Feb. 18, 1923 to Frank and Hattie (Herkenrader) Lee. He was a student of St. Joseph School of Tiffin and Calvert High School ('41).

He served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps during World War II from 1941 - 1944, often driving a Jeep to locate the frontline of combat. His tour of duty included stations in Italy, France and Germany.

It was during the service that Louie began collecting travel memorabilia. Eventually his collections grew to include coins, stamps, and books. Though, the collection he loved most of all was his family, which he credited as his secret to a great life.

Louie was introduced to Millie on a blind date. The night they met Louie said, "I'm going to marry you someday." Though Millie initially thought his confidence was overbearing, she was charmed. She agreed to another date, and eventually to be his wife. They were married on Aug. 9, 1948 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fremont, Ohio.

The couple went on to have four children: Jim (Sally) Lee of Tiffin, Ohio, John (Karen) Lee of Powell, Ohio, Joan (Jody) Heberling of Fremont, Ohio, and Julie (Howard) Teasley of Rochester Hills, MI. Their family grew to include 12 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings; Robert, Helen and Mary.

Louie was the owner of Lee's Floor Covering in downtown Tiffin, where he worked until his doctor encouraged him to rest a little more -- at age 93.  He had a tireless work ethic, generous spirit, and dedication to Catholic values. His many contributions including serving as a Fourth Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus, President of the Society of the Holy Name St Joseph Catholic Church, Member of the Toledo Diocesan Development Fund Committee, Chairman of the Tiffin Ohio Christmas Parade, Board Member for Mercy Health - Tiffin Hospital, President of the Calvert School Board, and member of Tiffin Elks 94, Tiffin Amvets Post 98, Tiffin Moose Lodge 846 and Tiffin Eagles 402. He was also proud of being a 73-year member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church parish choir.

His Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 A.M. on February 26, 2022 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Rev. Joseph Szybka officiating.  A Rosary will be prayed 30 minutes prior to Mass. The Mass will be livestreamed at www.tiffinstjoseph.org.  Burial will be at a later date in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Friends may visit with the family from 4-7:00 P.M. on Friday, February 25, 2022 at Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home & Crematory, 236 S. Washington St., Tiffin, Ohio 44883, (419) 447-2424.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Calvert Catholic School Foundation or St Joseph Catholic Church of Tiffin.

Condolences may be sent and the guestbook signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com.