Lee, "The Man with a plan", was born on November 18, 1946 to Carl and Frances Soder. He grew up attending schools in southwest Portland, Oregon.

He met Yvonne, his future wife and mother of his children, while working at the Original Pancake House in Portland. He was a chef, and she was a server. They had their children Tami, Eric and Marc in swift succession in 1966, 1968 and 1970, respectively. The family made their home in La Center, Washington where many happy memories were made.

During most of Lee's career he was General Manager for Bill Copp's Pontiac/Cadillac/GMC in Vancouver, Washington. He knew the business well, and in 1994 he opened his own car lot, which he called, "Soder's Motors." He enjoyed owning his own business where he could help people find the right car.

Even after he retired, he enjoyed helping friends and family find good deals, making a call or two on their behalf.

In the apartment building where he lived, he was appreciated for being honest, genuinely kind and helpful to other residents.

He is survived by his daughter Tami (Eric) McManus, son Eric (Kathy) Soder and son Marc Soder, his sister Kathi (Jerry) Haugen, six grandchildren and two great granddaughters.