Lee Munson, the quiet legend with a loud spark, of New Sharon passed away suddenly Saturday morning, February 22, 2025 at the age of 57. The family will be putting the FUN in FUNeral, officiated by Lee's son Jac, at 10:30 am Friday, February 28, 2025 at Central Church in Oskaloosa at 815 2nd Ave E. in Oskaloosa and will be live-streamed on Central Church's Facebook page. An open Visitation will be held Thursday, February 27, 2025 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Holland-Coble Funeral Home in New Sharon followed by a Visitation with the loud and obnoxious family/party hosts present from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Central Church in Oskaloosa. Following the service, Lee will be cremated and a private burial will take place in the Gifford Cemetery in Monroe at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Prairie Knolls Country Club or Stephens Memorial Animal Shelter. In honor of Lee, please wear your favorite racing shirt to the services (unless it's a Sammy Swindell shirt). Holland-Coble Funeral Home of New Sharon is in charge of arrangements.

Lee Patrick Munson never caused his parents, Stephen and Marlys (Van Maaren) Munson, any trouble growing up – he left that to his brother, Lyn. Lee was born on June 27, 1967 and was raised in Monroe where he graduated with the class of 1985 as a Wildcat from Monroe High School. While in high school, Lee started working as a mechanic for his parents at Munson Sinclair until it closed in 2005. He then went to work for Iowa Regional Utilities Association (IRUA) as a mechanic retiring in 2024 and recently took a job as a custodian at the North Mahaska School that he really enjoyed. Lee was married to Ralphi DeJong by Elvis at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway at the last World of Outlaws race of the Century on November 3, 1999. While living in Monroe, Lee was an active member of the Monroe Fire Department serving as fire chief. He spent many summers shooting fireworks professionally for J & M Displays for over 30 years. Lee may have been a man of few words, but when he did speak, it was to deliver a poorly timed joke or to share his passion for the things he loved – his family & friends, golf (and trying to come home with more golf balls than he lost), sprint car racing, the Food Network, and setting the sky on fire (legally, of course).

Born with a love for precision and a knack for making people laugh without trying (most of the time because people were laughing AT him), Lee found joy in the simple things: a well-played round of golf, the roar of a sprint car engine, and a perfectly seared steak & butter-drenched corn on the cob (one that was made while attempting to imitate a Food Network chef he'd been critiquing from his couch). But nothing made his eyes light up quite like his family & fireworks. As an avid pyrotechnic operator, Lee didn't just watch fireworks – he made them happen. If there was a celebration in need of some extra sparkle, Lee was the guy making sure it went off with a bang.

Though he wasn't one for the spotlight, those who knew him best understood that, behind his quiet demeanor, was a gentle soul and a heart of gold. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter and a sky that will always seem a little quieter without him.

So the next time you hear the crackle of fireworks, the hum of a race car,  the swing of a golf club, or the sound of kids playing take a moment to smile because that's exactly what Lee would have wanted.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Ralphi Munson of New Sharon.

His children, Tyler John "TJ" Sandin of Oskaloosa, DeLaney "Bob" (Cody) DeZwarte of Montezuma, Jac (Caia) Munson of Oskaloosa and Hung Tong of Houston, TX who still calls New Sharon home, and his beloved dog, Cecil.

His grandchildren - Crosson DeZwarte, Nova and baby Sandin on the way

His brother, Lyn (Pam) Munson of Monroe, and a sister-in-law, Deb DeJong of Oskaloosa along with other nieces, nephews and many friends.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Marlys Munson, and the Intimidator, Dale Earnhardt.