Colleen Pearl (Lee) Straight Lake, 96, died on June 23, 2025, at Azria Health Rose Vista in Woodbine. She was born on Nov. 12, 1928, to George and Rose (Meadows) Lee in Soldier. She grew up and attended school in Soldier and after graduation, went on to attend business school in Omaha, Neb. Colleen was united in marriage to Harvey Straight on March 28, 1948, at the Soldier Lutheran Church. The couple moved to California where Colleen went to work at a Cannery in San Jose from 1953-1955. After moving back to Iowa, they owned and operated the Straight Inn Steak House where she cooked many meals, especially chicken, and kept the coffee filled for many farmers. She later worked in home care and food service. After retirement in 1992, Colleen lived in the Mapleton area and eventually settled in Dunlap and Woodbine.
Colleen was a lifelong member of the Soldier Lutheran Church and was actively involved in her community as a member of the Soldier American Legion Auxiliary and the Soldier Lutheran WELCA. Her commitment to these organizations demonstrated her generous spirit and desire to support those around her. Colleen loved to polka dance and she was known for her cartwheels until she was in her 60’s. Colleen had a profound love for family reunions and found great joy in gathering to celebrate the bonds that united her family. She cherished the moments spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her warmth, kindness and wisdom will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Colleen is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harvey in 1992; daughter-in-law, Susie Straight and son-in-law, Henry Christiansen; and siblings, Darlene Peterson, Bryce Lee, Donna Bierman, Gale Lee and George Lee Jr. She is survived by her children, Donald Lee Straight of Charleston, W.Va., Denise Christiansen of Dunlap and Dede Sullivan of Dunlap; son-in-law, John Sullivan of Dunlap; grandchildren, James (Kelly), Yvonne (Robert), Jeff (Sommer), Ashley (John), Sara (special friend, Gus) and Sage; great grandchildren, Trenton, Anna, Benjamin, Nicholas, Claire, Jack, Madison and Londyn; nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends.
A memorial service was held on Friday, June 27, 2025, at Soldier Lutheran Church in Soldier. The officiant was Pastor Paul Coen. The recorded musical selections were “The Dance” by Garth Brooks, “Amazing Grace” by Carrie Underwood and “Holes in the Floor of Heaven” by Steve Warner. The honorary pallbearers were Colleen’s grandchildren and great grandchildren. Colleen’s final resting place is at the Soldier Lutheran Cemetery.
Fouts Funeral Home in Woodbine was in charge of arrangements. www.foutsfuneralhome.com
