Dr. Raymond A. Lee, 81, saw the face of Jesus on December 6, 2012.

Ray was born September 14, 1931. A Rochester native, he was a noted athlete at Rochester High School, starring in football, basketball and baseball.  As a senior in 1950 he was named to the all- state tournament basketball team.  Ray worked at the Snack Shop on Broadway and delivered the Post Bulletin as a young boy. In 1940 he was the State Marble Champ and took great pride in telling the story of climbing with success the Libby's Corn structure.

Ray attended the University of Indianapolis, formally known as Indiana Central College, from 1950-1954.  There he met the love of his life, Betty Bilby.  They were married January 30th, 1954, the winter break before graduation.

As a result of a college biology professor's mentoring and encouragement, Ray entered medical school and began his training at Indiana University Medical School in Bloomington, Indiana.  He came to Mayo Clinic in 1959 to begin training in OBGYN and general surgery, serving in the US Army in the early 60's as well. Ray joined the consultant staff of Mayo Clinic in 1965 in the Department of OBGYN as a gynecologic surgeon where he rose through the academic ranks to Professor.  He honorably served the Mayo Clinic in numerous capacities, including Division Chair for gynecologic surgery, Personnel Committee, Doctors Mayo Society, Board of Governors, Board of Trustees and was particularly proud of being recognized by trainees as a member of the Mayo Clinic Teacher of the Year Hall of Fame and being chosen for the Distinguished Clinician Award by his Mayo peers.  Beyond Mayo, Ray was internationally recognized as a top notch surgeon, educator and gentleman.  He served as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Pelvic Surgery, led the effort to establish the subspecialty of urogynecology and reconstructive pelvic surgery, authored one of the premier text books in gynecologic surgery and served as President of the distinguished Society of Gynecologic Surgeons as well as the Society of Pelvic Surgeons.  To this day he is the international standard of excellence in surgical care by which his colleagues aspire.

Ray was a member of Homestead United Methodist Church, a longtime member of the Rochester YMCA , and faithful student and group leader of The Community Bible Study.

On a typical weekend he could be found making French bread before Saturday rounds or working in his yard and enjoying his boxer dogs.

In his death he is still teaching all who knew him, how to live. He walked with grace, gentleness and compassion everyday of his life. Whether you were the custodian at the clinic, the kid who joined the pick-up basketball game or the visiting surgeon from across the ocean, you were called by name and listened to.  What made him a great doctor was that he was first a humble and faithful servant of his Lord and second he loved and adored his family. Throughout his medical career the patient always came first in every case he took. To him they were a person with a story who needed some help. He treated the President's wife, the Queen and the Iowa farmer's wife exactly the same.  Ray Lee lived life with JOY for all things. He made the tough stuff bearable and the easy stuff more fun. We give thanks for his many gifts that he so freely shared with us all.

He is survived by his wife, Betty, of 58 years. Daughter, Robin Swanson (Dan) of Franklin, KY. Son, Randy Lee (Kristin) of Minnetrista MN . Daughter, Cindy Melin (Mark) of Plymouth, MN.  Grandchildren Laura Swanson, Erik Lee, Anna Lee, Paul Swanson, Isaac Melin, Davis Melin, Peyton Melin, Torsten Lee and Grace Melin.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a half-brother and a grandchild, Toby Lee.

Our special thanks to the caregivers who cared for him with love at home and the compassionate staff at St. Mary's Hospital, his second home.

A Celebration of Ray Lee's Wonderful Life will be held at 11:00 am , Saturday, December 22nd at Homestead United Methodist Church, 400 13th Ave. SE Rochester, MN 55904 with Rev. Becky Jo Messenbrink officiating.  Visitation will be held from 9:30 am until time of the service at the church.

Arrangements entrusted to Macken Funeral Home 1105 12th Street S.E. Rochester MN 55904. 507-282-1075 . Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the Mayo Clinic or Homestead United Methodist Church.