Eunice Lea

     Eunice V. Lea, 99, of Decorah, IA, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at The Highlands in Decorah. A private service will be held at Old East Paint Creek Church in Waterville, IA. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is handling arrangements.

     Eunice Velma (Forde) Lea was born on December 15, 1926, near Decorah. She was the third child of Henry Joseph and Anne (Hodges) Forde. On July 7, 1945, she married Ambrose Melbye Lea of Waterville, IA. Together they raised nine children: Gilbert, Joe, Dorothy, Florence, Linda, Theresa, Tony, LaVonne, and Donna.

     Eunice will be remembered by many as a kind, loving, and generous person who has left an impact on the lives of those who knew and loved her.

     Eunice is survived by seven children: Gilbert Melbye of Des Moines, IA, Joe (Sheryl Mauss) Lea of Mason City, IA, Dorothy Lea of St. Paul, MN, Theresa David of Los Angeles, CA, Tony (Mary Motley) Lea of Decorah, IA, LaVonne (Randy) Peterson of Decorah, IA, and Donna (David) Faber of Minnetrista, MN; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

     She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Ambrose of 51 years; two daughters: Florence Diane (Michael) Flaherty of Fort Dodge, IA, in 2021 and Linda Margaret Lea of Crosslake, MN, in 2022; and five siblings: Arla, Becky, Clifford, Vernon, and Lawrence.

     Casketbearers are Sam Faber, Jacob Faber, Nick Lea, Peter Lea, Zach Lea, and Randy Peterson.