Freddie "Rusty" Olen Lee, 77, of Frontenac, KS, passed away on July 1, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family in Frontenac, Kansas.
Rusty was born on Sept. 17, 1947, in Santa Ana, California. Alongside his family, they made their way to southeast Kansas, where Rusty graduated from Pittsburg High School, Pittsburg, KS, in 1965. This is where he met the love of his life, Linda Natalini. They were united in marriage on Dec. 16, 1967, and their story and life together began.
As a manager in the grocery industry for over 30 years, both in Pittsburg, KS and Ft. Scott, KS, he had a very successful career. His unconditional love for his family, values, work ethic, integrity, and his simple good nature defined Rusty.
He was certainly an avid sports fan, and very enthusiastic about the Las Vegas Raiders, the New York Yankees, and his beloved Kansas Jayhawks. When it came to the Raiders, at the end of each season, he would always say: "Well, there's always next year". Most importantly, his drive and passion was being present for his children and grandchildren for any event, family vacation, and being dad and grandpa.
There are many friends, organizations, and hobbies that were truly beloved to him. Firstly, his very dear friends, Mike and Joyce Pace of Columbus, KS. Rusty was also a member of the Frontenac United Methodist Church and of the Masonic lodge since 1974. Lastly, and his pride and joy, aside from the family, was a vehicle like none other. The 1964 GTO, which he drove with a huge smile.
Rusty is survived by his wife, Linda, of the home; his mother in law Cleo Natalini of Frontenac, KS; his daughter Angela Lee Siebuhr of Frontenac, KS, his son, Richard Todd Lee of Frontenac, KS; and four grandsons, Zackary Siebuhr of Frontenac, KS, Nicholas Siebuhr of Frontenac, KS, Jacob Siebuhr of Frontenac, KS, and Andrew Hansen of Springfield, MO, all of whom lit up his world as he did theirs; a sister, Cindy Loy of Pittsburg, KS; a brother, Steve Lee of Frontenac, KS; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Freddie Lee and Helen (Pollock) Lee.
A Memorial Service will be on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the Frontenac United Methodist Church with Rev. Mark Crist officiating. A visitation will take place at 1 p.m. before the start of the service on Tuesday. Burial will take place at a later date in the Frontenac City Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to the Frontenac United Methodist Church. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St, Pittsburg, KS.
