LeRoy "Lee" Sutherland

About Lee

LeRoy Alvin Sutherland, 72, passed away on Wednesday June 15, 2022 at Sanford Medical Center, Bemidji. Lee had suffered a debilitating stroke that rendered his speech difficult for many years and this condition continued to decline his heart health.

Lee was born in Bagley, Minnesota on April 12, 1950, the son of Mary (Neeland) and Ivan Sutherland. He attended high school in Bagley and graduated in 1968.

He married Linda Edevold of Gonvick in 1968 and had a daughter, Angela Sutherland (age 53, Waxhaw, NC) in 1969. Lee lost his wife in 1969 in an auto accident. He married Brenda Madden of Bagley and had a son, David L. Sutherland (48 of Blaine, MN) in 1972.

Lee enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed at Vandenburg AFB in California. Lee loved the California lifestyle. Lee was a talented carpenter who was skilled and patient at woodworking. He was an expert at genealogy and historical studies. He once said he should have been a history teacher!

Anyone who knew Lee, knew his passion was music. He started a band in his youth and never stopped playing guitar even after his stroke and speech loss. His best times were the many years playing in the professional band “The Shadows” with his best friends. Lee loved the Rock n’ Roll of his youth but also had a deep appreciation for jazz guitar. Music identified who he was better than anything else. Lee was a hopeless romantic and music & life made him very sentimental and nostalgic.

He is survived by his children - Angela Sutherland of Waxhaw, NC and David Sutherland of Blaine, MN. Lee’s 4 grandsons - Ethan Julson (age 30) Charlotte, NC; Luke Julson (age 28) Charlotte, NC; Garrett Waldman (age 17) Charlotte, NC; & Ivan Sutherland (age 23) of Mpls; have carried on the tradition of playing guitar which made him very proud. Lee was most proud of his grandchildren. He also had 4 amazing granddaughters, Lindsey Endres (age 30); Ashley DeMers (age 28); Megan Sutherland (age 25) and Marleina Sutherland (age 16).

Lee was a very nostalgic man and in life he greatly mourned the passing of beloved family members, friends, and his loving wife Linda. He anticipated a reunion with them. Lee is preceded in death by his parents Mary and Ivan Sutherland, his brother Ivan Jr., his sisters Patricia Kvislen, and Dianne Goodwin.

He is survived by his brother Kenneth Sutherland, two children, eight grandchildren, and many loved nieces and nephews, and extended family.

memorial service

Memorial Service for Lee

June 25, 2022

St. Philip's Episcopal Church Water Tower Loop, Rice Lake, MN 56621, USA

His remains will be interred at Rice Lake Cemetery. Family and friends are encouraged to bring copy of a favorite photo of Lee and share their best memory of him.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Family Funeral Home