Chan Woo Lee

Chan Woo Lee, 90, of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away on March 1, 2026, in the church he loved, surrounded by his brothers and sisters in Christ. Born on December 23, 1935, in Daejeon, Korea, to Jongsuk Lee and Whansoon Yook, Chan was raised with values of diligence, humility, and devotion to family. These qualities defined his character throughout his life.

Chan found deep joy in nature and the comfort of home. He loved fishing, especially on Lake Michigan with his sons, and took great pride in gardening, harvesting vegetables from his garden and tending beautiful flower beds around his home in Michigan City. He was also at ease in the kitchen, often cooking alongside his wife and creating a warm center for family gatherings.

Above all, Chan’s life revolved around his family. He shared 67 devoted years with his beloved wife, Jaesook (Sim) Lee, building a home grounded in respect, patience, shared faith, and unwavering commitment. A gentle and nurturing man, he owned ChoongNam Pharmacy in Korea from 1958 to 1975 before immigrating to Michigan City in 1975, where he worked at Arno Adhesives and later retired from Bethlehem Steel Mill. A longtime member of Michiana Korean Presbyterian Church in Elkhart, he served faithfully as a deacon, offering quiet wisdom and living his faith through kindness, integrity, and service.

Chan is remembered as a man of quiet dignity, steady hands, and a warm heart. He taught his family the value of loyalty, dedication, and perseverance through his consistent acts of love and responsibility. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother and three sisters, and his wife Jaesook. He is survived by his children, Sanghak (Mia) Lee, Sangmin (Melanie) Lee, and Sangyoung (Esther) Lee; his grandchildren, Jennifer Sung, Daniel Lee, Emily Lanham, Jocelyne Mei, Thomas Lee, Samantha Lee, and Jessica Lee; and 13 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought him immense pride and joy. His memory will live on in the stories shared around family tables, in gardens tended with care, and in the faithful hearts of those who knew him.