Kuhn Hong Lee

Dr. Kuhn Hong Lee passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 21, 2021 at his home in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He was 83 years old.

Dr. Lee was born on January 16, 1938 in Seoul, Korea. He married Bang Won in 1965, and the Lees immigrated to Mankato, Minnesota in 1970. He obtained a Bachelors degree in Economics from Sung Kyun Kwan University in 1960, a Masters in International Economics from Minnesota State University, Mankato in 1971 and a PhD in International Economics and Education from Walden University in 1985. Dr. Lee served as the Director of the International Student Office of Minnesota State University, Mankato for nearly three decades before retiring as Emeritus Faculty in 1998. Dr. Lee and his wife then moved to the Twin Cities, Minnesota in 2000 and later to Cambridge, Massachusetts in 2008.

Dr. Lee was a loving husband, caring father, doting grandfather, and admired leader, who made countless contributions to both the University and his community. At the University, Dr. Lee was recognized for his work building cross-cultural connections and promoting peace and justice. A dedicated member of the Rotary Club since 1970, he also served in a variety of officer and leadership roles in Mankato, St. Paul, and Boston. At social events, he was always the life of the party. He loved playing golf, traveling (to countless countries in Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and South America), making new friends, and spending time with his family. He looked forward to Christmas every year when all of his children and grandchildren would gather in Boston.

Dr. Lee is survived by his wife Bang; his daughter and son-in-law, Patty Lee and Jaime Vidaurrazaga of Cambridge, Massachusetts, and their three children Ally, Tom, and Christopher; his son and daughter-in-law, John and Souyeon Lee of Seoul, Korea, and their two children Katie and Lisa; and his son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Joanne Lee of St. Paul, Minnesota, and their children Abby, Charis, and Ethan. 

Dr. Lee will have a private memorial service and burial on January 29th, 2021. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the following GoFund me account in memory of Dr. Kuhn Hong Lee.  

https://www.gofundme.com/f/kuhn-lee-memorial-donation

Funds will be sent to the Watertown Rotary Club and Rotary International in honor of Dr. Lee.