Lee David Frazier, 85, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, following complications from a stroke and a brief battle with leukemia. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Lee lived a life full of love, dedication, and quiet strength.
Lee was born on November 22, 1939, in Hillsboro, Wis., to Lloyd and Alma (Grover) Frazier. After discovering he was deaf, his family moved to Delavan, Wis., so he could attend the Wisconsin School for the Deaf. There, he developed a lifelong appreciation for sports, competing in football, basketball, and baseball. In recognition of his accomplishments, he was inducted into the Wisconsin School for the Deaf Sports Hall of Fame in 2008 for basketball-an honor he later shared with his daughter, Nancy, who was inducted in 2024.
Lee’s love for sports continued beyond high school, playing on deaf community teams in softball, basketball, and bowling. Later, he took up golf, joining the Midwest Deaf Golf Association, where he enjoyed traveling to tournaments with friends. His love of sports extended to his family, and he was a proud supporter of his children and grandchildren in their athletic pursuits. He rarely missed a game and loved watching them compete.
On July 16, 1966, Lee married the love of his life, Shirley Griepentrog in Milwaukee, Wis. They settled in Madison, where Lee worked as a lithographer for Forms Pro for 42 years. Together, they raised three daughters. Lee was a dedicated and supportive father who encouraged his children’s interests and valued time spent together as a family. Holidays were never complete without a family card game, especially Gin 13, where each grandchild eventually earned a seat at the table.
Lee loved camping, and one of his favorite memories was a two-week road trip to Mount Rushmore, Devils Tower, the Badlands, and Yellowstone with his family, grandma, and uncle Milton-packed into a brown station wagon towing a pop-up camper. As the family grew, Lee and Shirley continued their tradition of annual camping trips with friends.
Deeply involved in the deaf community, Lee was a leader and advocate, serving as President of the Madison Association of the Deaf (MAD) and holding various leadership roles within MAD and Silent Lutheran Church. His efforts to support and uplift the community were felt far and wide, and his friendships within the community were lifelong.
Lee is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Shirley; daughters, Pam Frazier (Rose Powers), Nancy Frazier (Chriz Dally), and Becky (Marc) Schellpfeffer; six cherished grandchildren, Jasper, Storm Lee, Stella, Tyler, Riley, and Jadyn; and his brother-in-law, Milton Griepentrog, with whom he shared a special and cherished brotherhood. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Carol Volm, Ruth Sauer, and Rosie Griepentrog, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his aunt, Alice Marie Frazier; in-laws, Oscar and Vinelda Griepentrog; and siblings-in-law Lester, Arland, and Jayne Griepentrog, Merlin Volm, and Roman Sauer.
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Fitch-Rona Emergency Services, UW Hospital Neurology, his leukemia oncology team, and the compassionate nurses, nursing assistants, and sign language interpreters who provided such dedicated care.
Lee often said, “Throw your ‘ifs’ away and just go do it.” Lee’s ability to face life with strength, his unwavering support of his loved ones, and his wisdom will continue to guide and inspire his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Memorials can be made to the Madison Association of the Deaf or UW Carbone Cancer – Leukemia Research.
A memorial service will be held at Gunderson Fitchburg Funeral and Cremation Care, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2025. A celebration will be held at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the time of service on Saturday.
https://www.gundersonfh.com/obituaries/Lee-David-Frazier?obId=39805717