Obituaries & Guestbook

Leon ‘Lee’ McDermid, 76, Athelstane, WI went to his heavenly home on Sunday, November 28th, 2021 surrounded by many of the people who loved him. He was born on October 9th, 1945 in Milwaukee to Francis and Doris (Exferd) McDermid. Lee grew up in and around Oconto Falls, WI and graduated in 1964 from Oconto Falls High School.  He served his country honorably with the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.

Lee was married to the love of his life, Judy (Koltz) McDermid for over 33 years. On their very first date he said he was going to marry her, and she laughed. As it turned out, he was right, and Lee and Judy were actually married twice. They eventually settled in Green Bay where they raised their family, made many lasting friends, and were active members of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Parish. Judy preceded him in death on September 12th, 2004.

Lee met Joellen ‘Jo’ Wolcott while she was working for the Red Cross where he was a regular platelet donor. He often remarked that she had been needling him for years. Lee married his second love on Jan 20th, 2011, relocating to Athelstane and they had many happy times together until her death on January 18th, 2019.

Until his retirement in 2006, Lee worked as an industrial electrician for Northern Paper Mills (now Georgia-Pacific’s Day Street mill) in Green Bay where he was known to always have a joke to tell. He loved deer hunting, fishing, woodworking, traveling and spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Lee always had a story to tell; and while the fish may have gotten bigger with each telling, he always remembered the people involved in the kindest way. While rarely at a loss for words, Lee made many of his biggest statements without saying a thing. He taught by example how to be patient, generous, and strong.

Lee is survived by his three siblings, Peggy O’Mara, Jan McDermid and Jon McDermid; son Martin (Heather) McDermid; step-daughter Shari (Charlie) Petersen and step-son Rob Wolcott; seven grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two wives and six siblings, Glen, Gary, Paul, Monte, Dawg, and Sue McDermid.

Visitation will take place after 3:00 pm Thursday, December 2, 2021 at Jones Funeral Service in  Oconto Falls until the time of service. Funeral services will be held 7:00 pm Thursday at the funeral home with Lee’s godson Geoffrey McDermid officiating.  Lee will be laid to rest next to Judy in Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery in De Pere, Wisconsin at 1:00 pm Friday, December 3, 2021 with Fr. Jose Lopez officiating.

Lee’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Unity Hospice who cared and comforted both him and his family, especially Cheryl and Christine.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Lee’s name to the Diabetes Research Foundation