Bryan Dean Lee, of rural North Platte, passed away unexpectedly at his home June 13, 2025. Bryan was born June 9, 1959 to John and Erna Rae (Erlewine) Lee in Grant, Nebraska. His childhood was spent on the family farm south of Madrid, NE near the Perkins County-Chase County line, AKA “Leeville”. Bryan attended Madrid-Wheatland school, graduating with the class of 1977. In high school Bryan excelled in woodworking and building construction, which turned into his first career path. Bryan also participated in wrestling, track and was a member of the 1976 state championship football team.
Bryan’s love of agriculture and animal husbandry were apparent very early on in his life. Bryan joined his siblings, numerous cousins and extended family participating and excelling in 4-H, showing hogs and cattle with a particular passion for horses. A passion he shared with his Grandpa Rue.
High school sweethearts, Bryan and Chris were married on November 25, 1977. They moved to North Platte in January of 1978 so Chris could attend Mid-Plains Community College and Bryan began his 42-year career with the Union Pacific Railroad as a Conductor/Brakeman. Bryan and Chris eventually purchased farmland, and moved to rural North Platte, where they raised their three children. The young family’s shared love of horses led them to purchase a mare and a gelding at a sale in North Platte in 1985, and evolved into the establishment of Lee’s Quarter Horses.
After son Matt’s untimely death in 2002, Bryan poured his heart and soul into his horses. About this time in the horse industry, Ranch Horse Versatility was quickly rising in popularity. Showcasing his horses’ natural ability for roping, cutting, cow work, as well as arena performance, was a perfect fit for Bryan and his first stallion, Docs Croton Lobo. Bryan and “Doc” won their show first championship in 2006. Chris then joined Bryan in showing and the two traveled throughout the mid-west the next 19 years, participating in stock horse and ranch horse versatility shows. Most notable highlights of Bryan’s show career were showing “Doc’s” son “Lee’s Doc O Sunrise” (aka Dude) to the AQHA Amateur VRH Reserve World Championship in 2014. In 2021 Chris and Bryan teamed up to show “Diamonds at Sunrise” to win the AQHA Year End High Point Award in the Cowboy division. Last year, despite his dad’s passing, Bryan showed the third son of Doc, “Snip O Sunrise Lobo” (aka KJ) to win the AQHA VRH Cowboy World Championship. He was the only exhibitor who qualified for the AQHA VRH World Show every year since its inception. Bryan also won numerous local and regional titles with his Ranching Heritage bred horses. Bryan was a fierce competitor in the show pen and many of his competitors quickly became his best friends.
Bryan was meticulous with the training of his horses. They did not leave the place until they were “Lee broke”. His breeding and training programs allowed his customers who purchased his horses to also reach the highest levels of competition on “Lee bred” horses.
Bryan coached youth wrestling for many years and was an avid supporter of the North Platte St Pat’s Irish football and wrestling programs. Whatever the sport or endeavor, Bryan had a love for helping other people, especially youth, which has led to many generational friendships. Like him or not, you always knew where you stood with Bryan.
Despite Bryan’s deep passion for horses and sports, his love for his family always took center stage. From wrestling with his brothers and tearing up his mom’s kitchen, to wrestling with Matt and breaking stuff in Chris’ kitchen, to teasing and telling stories about monsters to nieces, nephews, grandkids, and anyone who would listen, Bryan’s love for family was unmatched. Teasing was his love language. He was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.
Proceeding him in death were his parents, John and Erna Rae (Erlewine) Lee, brother Doug Lee and son Matt Lee.
Bryan is survived by his wife of 47 years, Chris of rural North Platte; daughters Lannae (Dan) Phelps of North Platte, and Mareesa (Alex) Hasenauer of Wellfleet; grandchildren, Matthew (Bryannah Hyndal), Olivia and Oliver Phelps, and Aubree and Carlee Hasenauer; great granddaughter Scarlett Phelps; sister, Teresa (Rick) Nowak of Bennington, NE; sister- in- law, Penny Lee of Grant, NE; and brother Jay (Dana) Lee of Madrid, NE; and numerous other family members and many friends.
The family requests informal western attire for those attending Bryan’s services. Memorials may be made to North Platte Catholic Schools Endowment Trust or to the family for designation at a later date. Online condolences and live stream of the services can be found at www.adamsswanson.com.
Visitation will be held from 12:00-5:00 pm Wednesday June 18, 2025 at Adams Swanson Funeral Home. Christian Wake Services will be at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday June 18, 2025 at St Patrick’s Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday June 19, 2025 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with the Rev. Jonathan Sorensen as celebrant. Interment will be held at the Madrid Cemetery following a reception at the church. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.