Leroy Don "Lee" Vandenbos was born on Dec 24, 1933, in Lakeview, SD. He died peacefully at Lakeview Village in Lenexa, KS on Jan 14, 2026. Lee lived a big, bold life of 92 years filled with exploration, caring support for others, and love for his family and friends in between these two “Lakeviews”.
At the age of 5 his parents, Olive and William “Bill” Vandenbos, relocated their family from the Dutch community of Lakeview, SD to Valley Falls, KS, where he spent his formative years with his sister, Bernadine “on the farm”. His parents and sister preceded him in death. He graduated from Valley Falls High School in 1952 and from Kansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in 1958 where he had been an active member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.
After a short stint exploring commercial banking and acting as career options in Los Angeles, CA, Lee earned his California teaching license in 1962, and from there pursued teaching and helping young people as a calling throughout his life.
Ever the adventurer, in 1965 he moved to Wiesbaden, Germany and taught in Department of Defense Schools. This is where he picked up his love of skiing while in the Alps and enjoyed using his vacation time to travel Europe. During this time, he earned his Ski Rescue certification to be a ski patrol member and completed a master’s degree in counseling education from Boston University (European extension).
In 1973, he moved back stateside to build a life near his mother and sister where he began a 20-year career with Topeka Public Schools District #501 as an elementary school counselor. Though his full-time commitment was to his work as a counselor, Lee also had a very successful career as a realtor on weekends and summer vacations, achieving ‘Million-Dollar Club’ status multiple years.
Lee loved to sing and had a lovely voice. He especially enjoyed singing with the Heartland Men's Chorus, Kansas City, Mo. from 1996- 2013. He sang in over 52 concerts including trips to London, Paris, and Germany plus other numerous cities in the United States and Canada.
He considered himself a child of God who lived a blessed life. Lee was friendly, curious, creative, and encouraging to others. He enjoyed the outdoors and all the beautiful things God created. His positive attitude and generosity of spirit will be deeply missed by a wide network of family and dear friends from many walks of life.
Lee is survived by his nieces: Vicki Buening; Linda Ferrell (Rick Tombari); Joy Ferrell (Shane Harrison) and nephew; Scot Ferrell (Anna Fong); his great nieces/nephews: Lindsey Buening, Jason Buening (Jannell Neill), Kayla (Scott) Griffin; and many other caring family and friends.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 7, 11:00 a.m. at Lakeview Village Heritage Center, 9100 Park St., Lenexa, KS, 66215. A reception and light lunch will follow.
Inurnment will be at Valley Falls Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Heartland Men’s Chorus of Kansas City, MO.