In Memory of Rhonda Lee

Rhonda Lee, age 70, of Battle Creek, Iowa, passed away on April 27, 2026, at the Willow Dale Wellness Village of Battle Creek, Iowa. 

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 8, 2026, at the St. John Lutheran Church in Battle Creek, Iowa. Rev. Neil Wehmas will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Liston Township Cemetery of Danbury, Iowa. 

A Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the St. John Lutheran Church in Battle Creek, Iowa. 

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Battle Creek, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Rhonda Renee Lee, the daughter of Wesley and Helen (Hammer) Husted, was born on June 18, 1955, in Battle Creek, Iowa. She grew up in Battle Creek and received her education from Battle Creek High School graduating with the class of 1973. After high school she furthered her education at Morningside College where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. 

On February 4, 1979, Rhonda was united in marriage to Chester Lee at the St. John Lutheran Church in Battle Creek. The couple made their home on a farm, where they were blessed with a son, Christopher. Rhonda found great joy in caring for her expansive flower gardens, a passion that grew into her role as Horticulture Superintendent at the Ida County Fair. During the summer months, she traveled to numerous area county fairs, as well as the Iowa State Fair, judging floral exhibits. Life on the farm also sparked her fondness for black baldy-faced calves; she often sat by the window watching them in the pen, carefully jotting down their ear tag numbers. 

Rhonda devoted her life to a career in education, serving several local school districts over the years. She especially cherished her more than two decades with the Boyer Valley Community School District, where she worked as an elementary librarian and TAG teacher. Even after retiring, Rhonda remained committed to staying active and giving back, volunteering at Danbury Catholic Elementary. There, she formed a deep appreciation for the students, staff, and the entire school community. One thing remained constant through the years, Rhonda loved teaching and she loved volunteering.

Never one to stay idle for long, Rhonda remained deeply involved in her community. She served as a past president of the Battle Creek Women’s Club and was a former member of the Battle Creek Library Board. A lifelong member of St. John Lutheran Church in Battle Creek, she dedicated much of her time to volunteering and serving others. Rhonda was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her greatest joy was being a grandmother to her grandson, Calvin. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. 

Left to cherish her memory include her loving husband of 47 years, Chester Lee of Battle Creek, IA; son Christopher (Shelby) Lee of Battle Creek, IA; grandson Calvin Lee; brother-in-law Carl (Gaylene) Lee of Grimes, IA; nieces and nephews Collin (Lia) Lee, Traci (Fred) Rogo, Ross Rusch, Raquel Mumm, and Jayme Bresnahan; many great nieces and great nephews, extended family and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents Wesley and Helen Husted; sisters Sharon Husted and Theonne Rusch-Kolls; niece Trisha McCormick, in-laws Stuart and Katherine Lee; as well as many beloved furry friends.