Lee Curtis Lykken was born November 20, 1935 at the Deaconess Hospital in Grafton, the son of the late Harry and Hazel (Ottoson) Lykken. He attended Auburn School and then Grafton High School (1953). Early interest in engines, vehicles and computers led Lee to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of North Dakota (1958), completing a thesis and a Master’s degree in the same field (1961). Upon accepting a job with General Dynamics, Lee moved west to reside in Oxnard, California.
In 1965, Lee enlisted in the United States Army, earning the rank of Master Sergeant in the 4th Infantry Division. He served overseas in Vietnam, receiving several commendations, including a Purple Heart. When his duty tour was complete, Lee returned to the Grafton area at his father’s request to help take up the reins of managing Lykken Farms, established in 1882.
Lee is survived by Michael and Penny Reading, who have been actively involved in the farm operation for many years. They were Lee’s family, along with his other nieces and nephews, Daniel, Patty, Stephanie, Roger, and Emily. Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Hazel Lykken, sister, JoyAnn Lykken Reading and brother-in-law, George R. Reading.
A time of sharing will be Friday, April 19, 2024 at 2:30 P.M. at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Friday from 1:30 – 2:30 P.M. Interment will be at the Landstad Cemetery, Auburn, North Dakota. Military Rites will be provided by the Grafton American Legion Post #41. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Landstad Cemetery.