Leland "Lee" Ytreeide

April 2, 1941 - February 24, 2019

Lee Ytreeide was born in Bismarck, ND on April 2, 1941. He died in his home on Sunday, February 24, 2019. Lee graduated from Rapid City High School and Augustana College (BA), and the University of Wyoming (MA). He taught choral music in Rugby and Bottaneau, ND, and Saratoga, WY. He was at one time the Chairman of the Wyoming Choral Teachers Association.

Lee Ytreeide was simply the sweetest, kindest, most loving person those of us who knew him have ever known. He was a big brother, a good friend, someone who was always there for you with a kind word and the gift of love. He lived simply, didn’t ask for or need much, but lived a life rich in loving friends and family. He had a deep relationship with his church and faith and gave broadly and freely of himself to that community.

Lee was a wonderful musician and a member of many singing groups, traveled the world singing, sang in the Denver Opera chorus and several professional choral groups in Denver, and also acted on local Rapid City stages. We’ll never forget that amazing tenor voice or the wonderful man behind it.

Lee will be sorely missed by lifelong friends from all over the country, to whom he reached out regularly. He cared about everyone and has a full network of people who will miss his regular calls.

Lee is survived by his two sisters, Laurie (Ytreeide) Gabel (David Gabel), and Lynn (Ytreeide) Carnes (Steve) along with nieces and nephews Natalie Judd; Nathan Gabel; Mickey, Bob, and Chris Hickins; Tammy Johnson, Annette Ponce, and Susan Hickins. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Evelyn Ytreeide, and his sister Ann and brother Steve.

Those of us left behind will miss Lee greatly but feel heartened by the belief that he has gone home and is surrounded by family and friends who preceded him to the next place.

Love you, Lee.