Lee Judith Pauli

Lee Judith Pauli (nee Johnson) aged 84 passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on September 16, 2024. Lee was born in Buffalo Minnesota on November 21, 1939. She attended Buffalo Senior High School and then the University of Minnesota where she studied Physical Therapy. During her time at U of M, she participated in synchronized swimming and was proud to be the only female in her chemistry class.

Lee is survived by her children Lynn Esp, Kerry Wagner, Chris (Debbie) Wagner, grandchildren Ezra Otto, (fiancé Kristin) Jake Esp (fiancé Katelynn) Abby Wagner (fiancé Dylan), Annaleah Esp, Kiki Wagner, Olivia Wagner, and great granddaughter Hunter Esp.

She is also survived by Dan (Stephanie) Pauli, Aeden Pauli, Eric (Annie) Pauli, Shamus and Liam Pauli.  She is further survived by her sisters Lynn White, Paula (Charley) Streiff, Vicky (Tom) Stringer, sister-in-law Bev Johnson. She was preceded in death by her parents Walter and Verna Johnson, her brother Kim Johnson, and her husband Stan Pauli.

During her career as a Physical Therapist, she was employed by Saint Coletta of Greater Wisconsin, Happy Times Day Center, Jefferson School District, Milwaukee Public School District, Shared Therapeutic Services, and Lutheran Social Services.  In 1996, Lee was named Physical Therapist of the Year by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel as a result of her positive and encouraging dedication to her patients and the Physical Therapy Industry.

In addition to attending many activities of her grandchildren, one of her greatest joys was volunteering in the Santisimo Sacramento Physical Therapy clinic in Piura Peru. During her five trips to Peru, she used her skills as a Pediatric Physical Therapist to work with young people, as well as teach their families how to do the exercises so that they could work with their children after she returned to the states. She also helped transport wheelchairs, walkers, therapy balls, and other equipment to Peru.  When her trips to Peru ended, she continued as a an active fundraiser for the mission.

Lee was a warm and loving mother and grandmother with a deep appreciation for the talents of her family. She took great interest in their work and school life.  She was a service driven humanitarian who had a keen ability to anticipate and meet unspoken needs through financial and volunteer assistance. She was a hardworking team player who was loved by her patients,  supervisors and co-workers.

Lee’s hobbies include knitting, yoga, walking, reading, and baking. She was famous in our family for her caramel rolls, German pancakes, lemon poppyseed bread, and seven layer bars.  She always made sure to have each grandchild‘s favorite on hand when they arrived.

Lee enjoyed watching sports, attending plays, jazz and blues concerts as well as two tablespoons of Tito’s (on the rocks!)

During retirement, she tutored elementary students in reading at Cushing Elementary, Delafield, Wisconsin. She was able to incorporate her physical therapy training in encouraging the students to read.

Lee’s family would like to thank Angels Grace Hospice Team, especially Nurse Katie, Chaplain Jennifer, and Music Therapist Rory.

Services for Lee will be held on October 24, 2024 at Saint Joan of Arc Parish,  120 Nashotah Road in Delafield Wisconsin. There will be a visitation from 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM followed by Mass at 12:30 PM. At Lee’s request, the family will be wearing bright colors.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Anthony on the Lake (Reference Peru Physical Therapy Clinic) W280 N2101 Prospect Avenue, Pewaukee Wisconsin 53072 Attn:  Maureen Michaels.

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