Lee Barthel (1923-2023) was a Voyageurs Conservancy director emeritus who worked alongside Martin Kellogg and others as a critical volunteer to establish the Voyageurs Conservancy (then Voyageurs National Park Association) and the park. She was passionate about taking care of our planet, working tirelessly for several environmental organizations, and serving as a leader in the Izaak Walton league. This summer Lee celebrated her 100th birthday with a special $10,000 gift to the Voyagers Conservancy.
“From the time I started with the organization, Lee was so generous with her time and encouragement. Our meetings were filled with thoughtful advice, a few sassy jokes, and witnessing her great passion for environmental protection and public service,” shared Christina Hausman Rhode, Voyageurs Conservancy Executive Director. “While you don’t see Lee Barthel’s name in the written history of the park, and she was of course modest about her role, she was a key figure in the early days of organizing for the park, and in the continued establishment of our nonprofit organization as a citizen’s group caring for the park. We are remembering Lee’s humor, tenacity, talents, and spirit with gratitude.”
Reflections on Lee Barthel By Esther Kellogg:
Lee played an important role in Voyageurs National Park. She and Martin worked together at Tennant Company. From her excellent work at Tennant, Martin understood the breadth of her capabilities so when she retired from Tennant, Martin invited her to help Voyageurs National Park Association (VNPA), as a volunteer. Fortunately, for all of us, she said yes. Lee jumped right in and provided critical skills that helped provide a stronger foundation for VNPA. She became a mainstay of the VNPA for the many years following.
From the very beginning, Lee was enthusiastically committed to Voyageurs National Park. and VNPA. Many challenges arose but her calm and thoughtful presence provided a steady rudder. She helped pull people together and understood and prioritized the many tasks along the way and made sure they got done. Lee provided quiet leadership behind the scenes to keep VNPA running smoothly. Her efforts in those early years were a key factor in building a strong organization for the many years ahead.
Lee stepped into many important roles, providing office management skills keeping the membership information organized and up-to-date, while also getting to know the supporters and friends of VNPA. She was adept at recruiting steady volunteers to help with communications—the many mailings, newsletters, and fundraising communications. She mentored and shared insights with new directors, staff, and board members. She was always fully engaged in all the planned events whether in the Twin Cities or in the Park. She personally knew most of the people involved in the effort both in the Twin Cities area and in International Falls.
Even as her eyesight began to fail, she persevered and spent countless hours in the office, supporting VNPA. Lee should have received the award for the Volunteer of the Year many times over. Martin had great respect for Lee and the many contributions she made to Voyageurs National Park. Both VNPA and the Park are deeply indebted to Lee for her many contributions toward preserving Voyageurs for generations to come.
