Lee Allen DeForest

Lee Allen DeForest, age 73, passed away, surrounded by family, on August 3, 2021. Following an unexpected heart attack the previous week. He was born on April 10, 1948 to Donald and Paula DeForest in Evergreen Park, IL.

Lee is survived by an extraordinary, loving and large family including his wife of 28 years, Kathryn "Kip" DeForest, his four children (with Joanne Najjar) -Jolee (Paul) Zaccone, Jennifer Lynn DeForest, Daniel Jason DeForest, and Jaclyn (Robert) Dracup and his 4 stephchildren: Susan Elizabeth Davis, Benjamin John Jacklin, Aaron Edward Jacklin and Jennifer Barbara Jacklin. He is also survived by his brother, James (Patti) DeForest and sister, Donna (DeForest) Eisner. Lee was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Tom (Martha) DeForest.

Lee was "Grampy" to his 16 beloved grandchildren- Kayla (Nick) Paul, Madeline Davis, Zachary Behen, Andrew Davis, Reagan Behen, Aalaiya Jacklin, Sophia Rondone, Kiera Jacklin, Anthony Rondone, Brett Jacklin, Tripp Dracup, Wyatt Jacklin, Claire Dracup, Charlie Dracup, Julianna Jacklin and Nora Dracup. He was "Great Grampy" to Adley Paul. He bragged about all of them to anyone who would listen.

Lee was a graduate of the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana and a member or the Alpha Delta Phi Fraternity. He began his career as a photo editor and formed the photo department, becoming the photo director at Don DeForest Associates, later started his own audio visual company, Lee DeForest Communications and co-owned DeForest Creative Group with his brother, Jim, before entering into retirement in 2015.

Lee was a loving husband, a doting, proud father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was a creative McGyver kind of guy who could always find a way to fix anything...whether it was a car, a boat motor, a fishing pole, a computer, a string of Christmas tree lights or a toaster. He never gave up and had incredible patience.

Lee never told a story once. He told it over and over and over...but never the same way twice! Lee never met a stranger and treasured his friendships, maintaining a wide circle of friends, dating back to elementary school. He loved discussing cars, politics, fishing and his grandkids. If he loved something, he wanted everyone else to feel the same. He was always generous with his time and his expertise and could talk someone through a computer issue or a car repair while driving down the road. He loved sharing a meal at Culvers, a BBQ joint, Fazoli's, Rocky Rococos, White Stag Inn or a fish fry with his family and friends. His happy place was sitting in a boat bass-fishing at his cabin in Minocqua. He loved his country, loved the Oldies and loved his family and friends.

Lee was bigger than life and will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by so many.

There will be a Celebration of Life event held on August 13, 2021 from 4 pm to 7 pm at the Quarry Cable Park, 5517 Northwest Highway (Route 14) in Crystal Lake, IL.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

CAST for Kids Foundation , Wounded Warriors, American Diabetes Association