Lee Stanton

Lee met Caroline Mobley in Willows, CA and they were married in Reno, NV in 1956.  Lee enlisted in the National Guard shortly after their marriage.  He was decorated as a Sharpshooter and received an Honorable Discharge after his 4 years of service. Lee and Caroline had 3 girls – Debbie, Barbi and LeAnn, with many adopted as well.

Lee worked many years as a Sales Representative in the trucking industry.  In 1980 pursued his dream of owning his own bar.  Lee & Caroline owned the Linger Longer Lounge in Spirit Lake for 25 years.  During this time, he became quite the icon in the small town.  He hosted the Annual Salmon Feed for many years, in which he donated all proceeds to the local food bank.  They also ran a Golf Tournament that raised money for whoever was in need - whether it be a family, a sports team, or new restroom in the City Park.   At Thanksgiving and Christmas, they also opened the Linger Longer to anyone who didn’t have a warm place to share a hot home cooked meal.

Lee’s love for Spirit Lake was second to none, which all three of his girls found contagious.  He could teach “anyone” to waterski and was instrumental in pulling 13 kids behind his beloved boat, the Champagne Lady.  Not to mention, he was an avid slalom skier and could touch his shoulder on the water.  He taught each of his girls to ski at age 5 with the “carrot” of $5 when they got up!  “OPAH” loved taking his great grandkids for golf cart rides around the resorts and saying hello to everyone he passed.  His second love was for adventures in his beloved motor home and heading south for the winters with his faithful companion, “Bud Dog”.

His love for country music surpassed none!  Lee was one of the best karaoke singers around.   On his last day, he shared a precious time with his 3 girls singing Jim Reeves and Patsy Cline.

Lee’s love for his 3 girls and their spouses was absolutely priceless.  He finished every night with a call from each one of them.  He was a very proud Papa!!

Lee is survived by his daughters: Debbie Schirman (Greg), Barbi Reisenauer (Dennis), and LeAnn Sullivan (Kent).  Grandchildren:  Sarah Mahoney (Brian), Casi Luppinachi (Vinny), Cody Reisenauer (Cammy), BreAnna Sullivan (Eric), and Josiah Sullivan (Lacey); and 11 Great Grandchildren.  Brothers Mel Stanton (Dixie), Gene Gomes; Sisters Kathy Staley, Peggy Wilkes and Pam Reed; Sister In-Law, Joyce Bond; Cousin Bob Stanton (Gayle); Nephew, Michael McKay; Nieces, Sharon Shab, Liz Poulson, Jill Stanton, Laurie Stanton, Stephanie Webb, and Michelle Daniel; and numerous great and grand nieces and nephews.

Lee was proceeded in death by his Grandmother, Blanche Boggs, Father, Roy Stanton; Mother, Crystal Gomes; Sister, Karen Shuck; Brother In-Laws, Daryl Bond and Sonny Mobley; and Niece, Marilyn Miller.

A Celebration of Life for Lee will be scheduled for mid-July in Spirit Lake at the Reisenauer Compound. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes to have donations made to the Spirit Lake Food Bank in honor of Lee Stanton.