Lee “Tree” Coultas, 69, of Albert Lea, died on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea.

Lee was born June 23, 1944, to James and Helen (Kraft) Coultas Jr. in Baltimore, Md. He joined the Army on Dec. 17, 1962, and served in Germany and Vietnam.

In Baltimore, he worked in the produce department of Giant Foods for 37 years. He was a volunteer firefighter and one time was the master of ceremonies for muscular dystrophy on the local TV.

After retirement he moved to Albert Lea and was a regular camper at Hickory Hills. He was a member of the Eagles and the VFW.

He was a fan of the Twins, but he especially loved football. The Washington Redskins were his favorite, and Lee got to see them play a few times back East. He was also a Nascar fan.

Lee loved spending time with his friends and telling jokes.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie, of Baltimore; sister, Judy (Glen) Meldrum, of Fort St. Lucie, Fla.; daughter-in-law, Cathy Coultas, of Albert Lea; daughter, Mindy (Brian) Kohlhaas of Florida; sons Vernon and Michael Coultas of Maryland; grandchildren David Coultas Jr. of Albert Lea, Nicole Cook of Marinsburg, W.Va., Albert Merrick III of Fort Valley, Va., Vernon Coultas Jr. and Michael Coultas Jr. of Maryland; one great-granddaughter, Aubree Nicole; nieces and nephews; and special friend, Shari Staude of Alden.

Preceding him in death are his parents; and son, David Coultas.

Interment will be at the South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth, Fla., with full military honors.

There will be a celebration of Lee’s life from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Albert Lea Eagles Club.

Lee will be sadly missed by his family and friends. May he rest in peace.