1940 Football Team

Grand Valley Champions

The 1940 football team finished the season unbeaten and unscored upon, having defeated North Muskegon, Rockford, Grandville, Lowell, Sparta, Greenville, Godwin and Wyoming, ending with a 0-0 tie against East Grand Rapids.

Back: Coach Newell, Don Shepared, Marv Likaart, Russ Norden, Ken Brower, Ed Dykstra, Bud Pekelsma, Jack Daley, Marshall Norden, Coach Lackey

Middle: Bob Pulte, Ray Luscher, Don Formsma, Bill Overmire, Earl McIntyre, Gord Remtema, Matt Schmitt, Bob Harrington, Lawrence Beukema, Hib Gort

Front: Rudy McIntyre, Herb Newhouse, John Dood, Harold Schuman, Captain Rog Irving, John, Lubberts, Bob Formsma, Marv Brower, Gene Wilson

Simon Jeltes Head Custodian & Maintenance Supervisor 1953-73 Much more than a custodian, he was know throughout the district as "Mr. Fix-it" and "Mr. Reliable;" aside from his daily duties, he was always there to support the athletic programs, drove the bus for away games and field trips, built and maintained the old ice skating rink behind school, and was a friend and helper to the entire school community; highly respected by the student body, the 1969 Echo yearbook was dedicated to him and the annual award for the female athlete of the year is named in his honor; upon his untimely death in 1974, the superintendent cancelled afternoon classes so staff and students could attend the funeral of this beloved individual.

Ms. Loralee (Lorie) Norden 

Class of 1970 

A "Rebel for Life," having attended Godfrey and Lee from kindergarten through graduation, Lorie was a particularly active and ambitious student at Lee, serving at times and in various leadership capacities in Future Teachers of America, National Honor Society, Band, Pep Band, Latin Club, Pep Club, Ski Club, G.A.A., and as senior class secretary. She also worked on the Ariel student newspaper and was senior editor of the Echo yearbook. After graduating with honors, Lori attended Hope College and returned to Lee High School in 1976 where she began a 31-year career as a physical education instructor and coach. At one point, she also taught science. Retiring in 2007, Lorie left Lee as one of its most successful coaches and bedrock for the girls' athletic program. Under her tutelage, the softball program saw three district championships, two regional championships, were Class C state runners-up in 1981, and returned to the state semi-finals in 1982. Her 1984 volleyball squad won the district championship. In all, Lorie provided leadership for girls' athletics that spanned fifteen years as softball coach, ten years coaching volleyball, and seven years with the junior varsity basketball team. Beyond that, Lorie was a mainstay at supervising track and field competitions and other athletic events.

Cornelius and Patsy DeLaat (posthumous) 

Active supporters and fans of Lee High School for more than forty years, Cornie and Patsy set a high standard for themselves and those that follow. Everywhere a Rebel team went, the DeLaats were sure to be there. They established a reputation of going out of their way to do whatever was needed for a student, teacher, administrator, coach, athlete or team. Cornie and Patsy could often be found filling the role of parents to many student athletes over the years, providing financial, emotional, and intellectual support to many. Even many years after their own four children graduated from Lee High School, they could be counted on for continual support to the school and community. Cornie served the area as a city employee and both were active members of Eighth Reformed Church. Patsy volunteered as a Kids Hope mentor at the Early Childhood Center and could be seen regularly working with area students through the Very Exciting Bible School program. Patsy graduated from Lee High School as a member of the Class of 1956.

Dr. Bernard Eisenga 

Class of 1970

A member of the National Honor Society, Varsity Club president, and four-year letterman in Cross Country, Dr. Eisenga attended Calvin College where he majored in pre-med before earning his advance degree in pharmacology from the Louisiana State University Medical Center in 1989, graduating first in his class. Four years later, he completed a medical degree at that same university, where he was recognized as the first student in the history of the university to that time graduating with a perfect 4.0, and received a number of prestigious awards and recognition. In 1993, Dr. Eisenga became medical director for the Spectrum Health Poison Center and held that position until budget cuts closed the center this past summer. He is continuing his role as a Spectrum Health physician.