Lee Smittendorf

Lee Smittendorf, age 88, passed away on Sunday, December 14, 2025, leaving behind a legacy as distinctive and memorable as the voice that made him famous. He was born June 27, 1937 in Three Rivers, Michigan, the son of Vern and Marjorie (Metty) Smittendorf. He graduated from Athens High School in 1956.

A master auctioneer, storyteller, and connector of people, Lee didn’t just sell items, he created moments. Whether standing behind an auction block or in the middle of a conversation, Lee had an undeniable way of capturing attention, building trust, and making everyone feel part of something bigger.

Auctioneering wasn’t just Lee’s profession, it was his art. With quick wit, sharp instincts, and a rhythm all his own, he could read a room in seconds and bring it to life. His calls were fast, confident, and entertaining, but what truly set him apart was his authenticity. People didn’t just bid because they wanted what was on the block, they bid because Lee made the experience unforgettable.

Beyond the auction floor, Lee was curious about people and their stories. He loved conversation, laughter, and a well-told tale. He had a gift for making connections between buyers and sellers, neighbors, and strangers who left feeling like they’d known him for years. His energy was magnetic and his presence unmistakable.

Lee was an avid hunter and looked forward to the season each year with his good friends. In fact, just last month he got to hunt one more time with his good friend, Ed. Those who knew Lee know that the world feels a little quieter without him. But his voice-both literal and figurative will echo on in the stories shared, the memories retold, and the many lives he touched along the way.

Lee was always surrounded by family and friends; he shared precious moments with his “main squeeze” Marsha Laya. Lee is survived by a daughter Shannon (Dan) Frizzo, son L J (Tomissa) Smittendorf, stepchildren Nia Suter and Ben Laya, sister Vicky Biesel, and 8 grandchildren: Derek (Ashley) Smittendorf, Darci (Nathan) Heath, Maggie Frizzo, Lucas Frizzo, Pierre Laya, Anthony Kennedy, Ashley Smittendorf, Dr. Jennifer Smittendorf and 5 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Dan Smittendorf, a stepdaughter Sarah Laya and a sister Patricia Thorson.

A celebration of Lee’s life will be held on Sunday, December 21, 2025, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 703 Capital Avenue, S.W., Battle Creek, MI where stories, laughter, and memories will be shared exactly the way he would have wanted. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be made to Athens Area Community Foundation for Lee Smittendorf Scholarship Fund. www.henryfuneralhome.org