Knute Lee

Knute H. Lee Jr. passed away peacefully early Sunday morning, May 26, 2024 at his home that he called "Golden Pond" surrounded by the love of his family. Knute was an inspiring example of a life well-lived and remained upbeat and positive to the end. His door was always open, his generosity knew no limit, and he never met a stranger.

In addition to being his family's North Star, Knute loved to fly fish on the San Juan, was a voracious reader of Louis L'Amour books, and spent treasured times with many, many friends. His enthusiasm for life was such that he never saw the glass full but rather bubbling over.

Knute's respected 50-year career in the Oil and Gas business stretched across the Dakotas & Southwest: his signature cowboy hat and boots, honesty and plain-spokenness walked him into many deals consummated with just a handshake.

In addition to serving as President of the American Association of Professional Landmen (AAPL), the Mountain States Legal Foundation (MSLF) and long-time board member of the Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation (RMMLF), he also served on many local and national boards for "causes" that had captured his heart, such as Campus Crusade for Christ, New Mexico Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Hoffmantown Baptist Church (Trustee), Albuquerque Petroleum Club (President), Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, and more.

He loved his adopted home state of New Mexico, and treasured his Norwegian heritage from North Dakota. Knute was a Leap-Year baby, born February 29, 1944 in Devils Lake, North Dakota to parents Knute H. Lee Sr. and Edna Lineburg Lee. Raised on Sioux Indian reservations with his sisters Susan & Sharon, Knute's early years were spent playing football & basketball in Aberdeen, South Dakota. He attended the University of North Dakota, and was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. Along the way, he collected life-long friends (you know who you are)!

If you knew Knute, you knew all these things about him, because he was an open book & loved to share stories about his life, as well as hear about yours. In fact, once you knew Knute, you also knew that he would be unapologetically in your corner, always giving hugs, sharing encouraging words or being your biggest cheerleader. You felt better after being with Knute, as he shared his light with everyone he met.

Knute was passionate about his love of Jesus, his love for his wife Ann (Annie), and his unwavering love for his 3 children and their families. His beloved wife of 55 years, Annie, survives him along with his 3 children & 5 grandchildren: daughter Kirsten Lee, husband Richard Farmer and their son Hank; daughter Kjelse Lee, partner Evanee Pearcey and Kjelse's son Haric Curtis; son Cody Lee, and his children Cameron, Gordon and Vivian and their mother Erica Halliday Lee; sister Susan Herstedt and husband Dave, and sister Sharon Evans, along with extended family.

Knute's love of family and friends will be honored at a family gathering at a later date.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family requests donations be made to Wounded Warriors, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, or a charity of your choice.

To view Knute's online guestbook, please visit www.frenchfunerals.com