Wendy Mae (Bratlien) Lee

Wendy Mae Lee, age 52, passed away with her husband by her side on February 12, 2026, at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota.

Wendy was born July 2, 1973, to Carl and Remell (Bendlen) Bratlien. She grew up in the Rollag, Minnesota area, helping her parents on the dairy and grain farm. She loved assisting her dad in the shop and enjoyed anything involving woodworking. Living only four miles from the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion grounds, Wendy and her family often helped on the grounds, and she also worked in the kitchen at the Rollag Lutheran Church stand every Labor Day weekend.

Wendy graduated from Hawley High School in 1991. She later attended Moorhead State University, graduating in 1996 with a degree in photojournalism. After college, Wendy began working at Fleet Farm in Fargo, where she did everything from designing kitchen cabinets and fishing lures to working in sales. While working at Fleet Farm, she attended a coworker’s wedding in West Fargo. While waiting in line for the dollar dance, she struck up a conversation with the best man. Weeks later, she told her family and friends about a man she met at that wedding dance — his name was Stacey, a dairy and grain farmer. Wendy had always told her parents growing up that she would never marry a dairy farmer.

On a hot and humid July 20, 2002 — just one month and one day after the historic Roseau County flood that affected the farm where she would live with Stacey — Wendy and Stacey were married. After their wedding, they worked side by side, building a life rooted in dedication, partnership, and teamwork. July 20 of this year would have marked their 24th wedding anniversary.

Wendy was baptized at Park Lutheran Church and was a member of Rollag Lutheran Church. She had a special talent for writing and created an annual Christmas letter filled with photos and stories. Friends and relatives eagerly anticipated each year’s unique letter, and during the holiday season, Wendy and Stacey always kept the contents top secret.

In 2018, Wendy suffered a serious foot injury which, complicated by diabetes, led to an amputation. The following year, she faced another major health challenge when a severe infection required amputation of her other leg. Despite these hardships, Wendy and Stacey continued to face life with strength, determination, and teamwork. In the summer of 2024, she was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer and courageously pursued several treatments.

Wendy is survived by her loving husband, Stacey Jon Lee; her uncle, Jay (Margie) Bendlen; many cousins and friends; and her beloved Australian Shepherd, River.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Remell Bratlien, and her maternal grandparents.

A Memorial Service for Wendy M. Lee of Badger, MN will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, 2PM at Helgeson Funeral Home in Roseau, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  There will be a visitation on Thursday, February 26, 2026 from 5-7PM, with a 7PM prayer service.

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