SFC (Ret) Lee Edward Ficke

October 13, 1940 - April 28, 2019

Lee Edward Ficke, son of the late Lester E. and Lizzie (Thoms) Ficke, was born October 13, 1940 in Belle, Missouri. He passed away Sunday, April 28, 2019 in the Phelps Health Hospital of Rolla, Missouri having attained the age of 78. Lee grew up and attended school in Belle, Missouri. On May 26, 1959, Lee entered the United States Army and served his country faithfully until his retirement on February 26, 1976 after 20 years of service. He had attained the rank of Sergeant First Class and earned several awards and commendations; some of which include: National Defense Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, Good Conduct Medal (5th Award), Expert Qualification Badge M16, Vietnam Service Medal w/4 Bronze Service Stars, and Meritorious Service Medal. On May 21, 1966, Lee was united in marriage to Irene Roberts in Potosi, Missouri. They shared over 52 years of marriage together and were blessed with three children: Lisa, Mike and Duane. After retiring from the military, Lee owned and operated his own service station (L&S) in St. Robert, Missouri for a few years before starting to work for Quaker Windows in Freeburg, Missouri. In his later years, Lee worked as a cab driver for Union Cab in St. Robert. In his spare time, Lee enjoyed playing cards and cutting wood. He loved to be outdoors where you could find him fishing. Lee leaves to cherish his memory his wife: Irene Ficke of the home; three children: Lisa Peetz (Chris) of St. Robert, MO and Duane and Michael Ficke of St. Robert, MO; five grandchildren: Ashley Wilson of St. Robert, MO, Kayla Wilson of St. Robert, MO, Nicole Bexten of Argyle, MO, Marilyn Peetz of Tacoma, WA, and Robert Peetz of St. Robert, MO; ten great grandchildren; special friends: Jim and Darlene Sherfield of St. Robert, MO; several brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Lee as preceded in death by two brothers: Ronnie and Larry Ficke. Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 3, 2019 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Pastor Travis Patrick and Rev. Jeffery Grown. Jeffery and Kim Grown sang “Sheltered in the Arms of God” and “What A Day That Will Be”. The song “Daddy’s Hands” was played. Serving as escorts were family and friends. Burial with military honors followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery of Waynesville. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Lee Ficke and may be left at the funeral home.