Dr. Steve Lee
March 29, 2011
Steve Seung-Koo Lee was born in rural Kimpo, South Korea on September 29, 1942, the youngest of six children. He attended Jemulpo High School in Inchon and later attended Koryo University in Seoul, where he went on to receive his M.D.
He met his future wife, Joyce Koeng-Ja Oh, while he was a resident at the Red Cross Hospital in Seoul. They married on November 18, 1967. Just several weeks after the ceremony, Dr. Lee immigrated to the United States to begin his internship at Niagara Falls Memorial Hospital. Mrs. Lee joined him several months later, and gave birth to their first son, Keith.
Dr. Lee went on to do his residency in pathology at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston, where daughter Jean was born. After completing his residency, he accepted a position at St. Joseph Hospital in Omaha, where son Kevin was born. Dr. and Mrs. Lee became U.S. citizens in 1977.
The Lees moved to Des Moines in 1980. Dr. Lee was a pathologist at the VA Medical Center until 1987, when he joined the staff at Mercy Medical Center, where he remained for the rest of his career. Dr. Lee was wholly dedicated to his work; during the two years following the diagnosis of his lung cancer, he worked almost continuously, completing his last case only days before he passed.
Dr. Lee’s career was just one of his many passions. At different times in his life, he was an avid tennis player, golfer, world traveler, and photographer. He was a lifelong learner, attending medical conferences throughout his entire career and educating himself about history, music, and art. He loved to preside over gatherings of friends and family; he was a generous and gracious host.
He is survived by his wife; his son Keith and wife Jeri Lyn Reinhardt; daughter Jean and her husband Matthew Cole; son Kevin; and his older sister, Yang-Koo Seo.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be made at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Chris McLinden, The Rotary Club of DMAM
04/02/2011
I only had the privilege of meeting Dr. Steve Lee a few short times at our Rotary Club of DMAM meetings. He seemed like a great guy, very gracious in his manner, and a true family man. I really wish I would have got to know him better.
My condolences to his family and friends.
Chris McLinden
Adel, IA
steve berry
04/02/2011
Steve was always a gentleman with a warm spirit and always approachable in my dealings with him over the years I knew him. He showed great courage and grace in what he faced with his illness in keeping with the way he lead his life. You have my sympathies. Hopefully, I was able to return some of the kindness he showed me over the years during the last hours of his life in letting him slip away peacefully.
Harrison and Rosella Pratt
04/01/2011
Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family at this time of great sorrow and loss. Steve brought the highest standards of performance to everything he touched, whether it was the practice of pathology, his most current avid sports interest, or his interaction with colleagues, friends and family. Countless things in the lives of those he touched will remain forever better because of his acts and examples.
Benjamin Jung
04/01/2011
I know that I speak for my parents and brother here in town when I say that our sympathies are with you during this time of grieving and sense of loss. I feel fortunate that on those occasions recently.. I was able to share some brief moments with you and Dr. Lee at the YMCA Healthy Living Center.
Lydia Conn
03/31/2011
I'm sorry to hear of your loss. Dr. Lee was clearly a hard-working and accomplished man! My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Dr. Joy Trueblood
03/31/2011
Mrs. Lee and family;
You are all in our prayers. Steve was a wonderful mentor and I considered him "family". I will miss him as a colleague and friend. We all wish you comfort in this difficult time.
Joy Trueblood, MD, and laboratory staff of The Iowa Clinic Pathology department
Jules and Marilyn Reinhardt
03/31/2011
Deepest sympathy to Dr. Lee's family. We were so sorry to hear of his passing.
Kristin and Ernie Batson
03/31/2011
Keith and Jeri,
Our thoughts are with you and the rest of the Lee family during this sad time.
Kristin and Ernie Batson
Erik and Julie Reinhardt
03/31/2011
We are very saddened by the loss of Dr. Lee. Although we only met once, we were connected by family and as such we cared deeply for him. Deepest sympathies to Dr. Lee's family and prayers to all of you as you go through this difficult time.