After a long and hard-fought battle with cancer, we are sad to announce the passing of Lee West, who went to his eternal rest on 11/13/2025 at his home in Lakeside, California. He was born on 04/12/1944 in Cottonwood, Idaho to Ed and Isabel (Nuxoll) West.
Lee was raised in Appleton, Wisconsin. He graduated from Xavier High School in 1962 and became a barber on State Street for over a decade. Lee married Betty Baumann on September 7, 1963. They had a daughter, Bunty and a son, John before they moved to San Diego CA in 1973 where Lee became a contractor building houses, room additions and completing remodels of homes. In 1995, Lee and Betty relocated back to Appleton where he continued to build homes until he retired in 2004. They continued living in Appleton while spending winters in San Diego until 2009 when they moved to Lakeside, CA.
Lee was a big sports fan who followed and supported the Brewers, the Packers, and the Padres. He enjoyed fishing, golf and playing senior softball as well as snowmobiling and 4wheeling in the California sand dunes. Betty and Lee traveled extensively visiting all fifty states, most of Europe along with the Caribbean and Tahiti.
Lee is survived by Betty his wife of 62 years, his daughter Bunty (Chris) Cross of El Cajon CA, his son John (Leah) West of Temecula, CA. Grandchildren Sheena (Cesar) Martinez, Kirstie (Bobby) Cummings of San Diego CA and JT West, Gavin (Cami) West of Temecula CA. Greatgrandchildren Cesar Mateo Martinez and Conor Alan Cummings San Diego CA. Brother, Roger West of Palm Springs CA, Sisters Wilma (Rick) Stone of Richmond Hill GA, Dena West, Appleton WI, sisters-in-law Terri Pike, (Ron) Florida and Franki (Rick) Romenesko Oshkosh, WI, Anne West, Chula Vista CA, Karen West, Spring Valley, CA (recently passed 11/28/25) and many nieces and nephews., who will cherish his memory and continue his legacy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Isabel West along with his sister Betty Ann Farmer, Texas and brothers Harold and Clifford, CA. as well as his father-in-law Nick Baumann and mother-in-law Jean Baumann, Appleton WI.
Lee’s life will be celebrated at a memorial mass on 01/16/2026, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Lakeside, CA. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects and share their memories.
In honor of Lee’s memory, the family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Blood Cancer United. Your support will help further research into treatments and hopefully find a cure.
May Lee’s soul rest in eternal peace. A Memorial Service will be held on January 16, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help 13208 Lakeshore Drive
