Lee Tice

Lee Don Tice, born on September 15, 1945, in Omaha, Nebraska, peacefully passed away at home in the company of loved ones April 13, 2026 after a long battle with cancer. He left behind a life rich in curiosity, creativity, perseverance, and generosity and was the son of Ruth Alice Heppler and Donald Fred Tice.


Raised in the Midwest, Lee spent short periods of his early childhood in Nebraska and South Dakota, eventually calling Iowa home. There in Clear Lake, along with his siblings, Dave, Sally, Linda, and Kathy, he grew up in the boundless freedom of Iowa. From a young age, he displayed a natural talent for art, drawing many sketches and cartoons. Alongside this artistic side, he developed a deep interest in science - an interest that would shape the course of his life.


Upon graduating high school in Clear Lake, Lee served two years in the United States Navy. After which, he went on to pursue higher learning, ultimately earning a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois. Later in his career, he further advanced his education by earning an MBA from Loyola University in Chicago, strengthening his leadership and business expertise.

He went on to build a successful and respected career in the electronics industry, working with organizations including Bell Laboratories, Motorola, BRK Electronics, and System Sensor. Through dedication and innovation, he rose to leadership roles, serving as Director of Research and even earning numerous patents and awards for his contributions to technology and product development.


Alongside his professional achievements, Lee never lost his love for art. Throughout his life, he continued painting and creating, keeping alive the passion that began in his childhood.


Lee had a lifelong love of cars and performance driving. Over the years, he owned several memorable cars, including his first, a 49 Ford, and later a Galaxy 500, multiple Mustangs, a Thunderbird, and a Firebird. Ultimately, he purchased his dream car—a red Corvette convertible. He could often be seen driving it with the top down, wearing one of his many whimsical shirts, sunglasses on, hair flowing in the wind.


In his personal life, Lee found enduring happiness with his wife Judy, whom he initially spotted carrying a tennis racket in Palatine, Illinois. The two neighbors shared their love of the game and were married on August 30, 1980. As newlyweds, they bought their first home together in Bartlett, Illinois, beginning a long and meaningful life together. They spent their retirement years in Elgin, Illinois enjoying relaxing and fulfilling days spoiling their grandchildren. Lee continued playing tennis well into his 70s and became a Wall Street enthusiast, sharing many active and joyful years with Judy.


He will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother, as well as for his kindness, empathy, intellect, creativity, determination, quiet strength, and deep generosity. His willingness to give his time, knowledge, and support to others was one of his most defining qualities. Family was always the most important part of Lee's life. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Judy; sons, Peter (Michelle) and David (Allison); grandchildren Piper, Daisy, Tiffany (Colin) and Peter; great-grandson, Grey; siblings Dave, Sally (Rob) and Linda (Jerry), along with many extended family members and friends, whom he loved dearly, and who will deeply miss him.



A Memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at Countryside Funeral Homes $ Crematory, 95 S. Gilbert Street, South Elgin, IL 60177 from 1:00 - 3:00 P.M. A Celebration of of Life service will begin at 2:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a charitable donation to Feeding America (give.feedingamerica.org) in memory of Lee.