Lee Roy Rafferty

Lee R. Rafferty, 68, of Coldwater, Mi passed away April 21, 2025 after a long battle with cancer,

Lee was born on March 8, 1957 in Cassopolis, Mi. He attended school in Cassopolis, Mi and graduated from Dowagiac Union High School.

Lee started his long career in the grocery business by working night stock at LuAnns Foodland in Dowagiac, Mi while still in high school. He then moved on to assistant manager at Hardings Markets in Middlebury, IN., and manager in Oshtemo, MI and Coldwater, MI. While in Coldwater he changed careers and went to work at Pepsi Cola in Kalamazoo, and then back to Coldwater. During this time he discovered a love for carpentry and woodworking. He started his own construction company Lakeview Residential Builders. In addition to remodeling, he built many fine pieces of hand-crafted furniture. His favorite style was Stickley/Mission. Some pieces were sold locally but most were given to family members. During his free time, he loved to play golf.

Lee is survived by his children Paul (Angela) Rafferty of Burlington, MI and Kelley (Andrew) Longardner of Montgomery, MI., Grandchildren Jonathan “Jack” Rafferty, Alice Rafferty, Adeline Rafferty, Brayden Kinsey, Victoria Longardner, Landon Longardner, Mia-Williams Clark and his two bonus grandchildren Eli Traxler and Naomi Traxler.

He is also survived by his sisters, Jenni (Roy) Gant of Plymouth, MI, Sharon Gard/Leroy Henslee, of Decatur, MI, Patricia (Mike) Mohney of Three Rivers, MI, Cindy Green of Dowagiac, MI, his half brother Mike (Kori) Rafferty, Half-sister Brenda (Scott) Griffiths both of Tekonsha and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by both parents, Paul J. Rafferty of Tekonsha and Vera Rafferty of Allen Park, MI, His Brothers Paul John Rafferty of Cassopolis and James Rafferty of Allan Park.

There will be a celebration party of Lee’s Life on Monday, May 12, 2025 at 4:00 PM at Kick N’ Kountry 376 Warren Rd. Coldwater, MI. This will be potluck style and cash bar. Memorial contributions may be made to the family.