Leland “Lee” E. Myhre, age 95, of Hudson, WI, formerly of Anaheim, CA, passed away on March 11, 2021.

Lee was born on August 16, 1925 in St. Edward, NE to Ingvald and Mary Myhre. After graduating from St. Edward High School, he enlisted in the United States Army in 1943. He served in the 100th Division, 397th Infantry Regiment, Company A, fighting in the European Theater, including the “Battle of the Bulge.” He earned the rank of Staff Sergeant, and was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor in Combat. After hostilities ceased, he served out his enlistment playing trumpet in the Division Band in Berlin.

Upon returning home, he attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. He went to the First Presbyterian Church to sing in the choir. It was there he met his future wife, Jacquelyn Hill. They were married on June 10, 1951. Their first home was in Omaha, where Lee was employed by the Gates Rubber Company. They moved to Kalamazoo, MI where Lee changed his career to Real Estate. In 1958, they had a daughter, Jenifer, and in 1959, moved to Anaheim, CA. There, Lee began a career in banking, and he managed Savings and Loan offices in Brea, Huntington Beach, Westminister, Orange, and Fullerton. In 1967, their son Chris was born.

Lee was active in community organizations, primarily Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce. The Fullerton Chamber of Commerce honored him as Man of the Year in 1999. He and Jackie were active members of Californians for Nebraska, and strong supporters of Nebraska football. Lee was a man of strong faith and served as a Deacon and Elder for the First Presbyterian Church in Anaheim, CA. He was also a member of the choir and sang solos for the choir, as well as weddings and memorials; he was well known for his beautiful baritone voice.

Lee and Jackie loved to travel, and went on cruises all over the world. They also loved to dance, and were known as “Fred and Ginger” by many friends.

In 2016, Lee’s health was failing so he, Jackie, and their dog, Griffin moved to Hudson, WI to be close to family.

Lee is survived by his wife of 69 years, Jackie; daughter, Jenifer (Brad) Jones; son, Chris (Brandie) Myhre; grandchildren: Arah (Rob) Manion, Lindsey (Eric) Peterson, Hollis (Matt) Hutera, and Bradley Jones (fiancée, Lina); great-grandchildren: John, Carson, and Camren Manion, Elin, Ellis, and Etta Peterson, and Ryder, Case, and Capri Hutera; sister, Molly Comerford; brother, Milford Myhre; sister-in-law, Jean Peterson; brother-in-law, Jack Lunsford; and eight nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers-in-law: Jerry Hill, Earl Comerford, and Lavin Peterson; sister-in-law, Janece Lunsford; and nephew, Jerry Lunsford.

A Memorial Service for Lee will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 3, 2021 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 S. 11th St., Hudson WI. The service will be available shortly. Interment will be at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.