Obituary of Lee Russell Fadden

Lee Russell Fadden, 84, passed away on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Golden Oaks in Hermantown.

Lee was born April 1, 1935 in Duluth, MN and lived his entire life in Piedmont Heights. He graduated from Denfeld High School and UMD, with a degree in Business. Lee spent his career with First American National Bank/Norwest/Wells Fargo as a Vice President and Loan Officer. Upon retirement, Lee was the Director of the Karpeles Manuscript Museum, which he helped open with his good friend David Karpeles. He enjoyed working there with his wife Karen, and friends.

Lee married Karen Johnson on May 1, 1958. They were happily married for 54 years, until Karen’s passing in 2013. She was Lee’s best friend and he was never quite the same after she left us.

Lee enjoyed many hobbies including golf, chess, skiing, hiking, biking and bowling. He was President of the SnoSaints, the first snowmobile club in Duluth and was active in the Duluth Camera Club. Lee was an excellent pianist - he was the piano player at the upscale Flame Restaurant and also taught lessons, instilling an appreciation for music within his family. Additionally, Lee was an active member of Christ Lutheran Church where he served as Treasurer for many years.

Lee was first and foremost a family man. He loved watching his grandchildren participate in sports and was extremely involved in their lives. Lee was a very kind, patient and friendly man and always had a big smile on his face. He was a wonderful father and grandfather.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Ethel Fadden and his loving wife, Karen.

Lee leaves behind his daughters, Vicki (Randy) Hill, Lisa (Jim) Koehl; four grandchildren, Ryan, Lauren, Taylor, and Carly; brother-in-law, Kurt Johnson; and many special friends.

A private funeral will be held for family and close friends at a later date.

Lee’s family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the entire staff at Golden Oaks Hermantown for their wonderful care.