Dr. Lee Walter Baas' Obituary
Dr. Lee Walter Baas passed away peacefully at home in Norton Shores, Michigan, on March 28, 2025. He was born at home on February 9, 1934, in Corsica, North Dakota, to Walter Peter and Dena (Vogel) Baas.
Lee’s life was marked by a deep commitment to faith and service. He pursued higher education at RBC and Azusa Pacific before earning advanced degrees and credentials from Rosemead, UCLA, and Biola—each step opening new doors for ministry and counseling around the world.
Lee proudly served his country in the U.S. military at various stateside bases and was stationed at Tripler Hospital in Honolulu during the historic moment when Hawaii became a state. He remained deeply grateful for the compassionate care he received from VA services throughout his life.
On July 8, 1960, Lee married Carolyn, beginning a lifetime of shared ministry guided by faith. Their journey started in Brigham City, Utah, where they worked with Navajo youth through educational and counseling programs. In 1962, they moved to San Francisco to establish the Friendship House inner-city ministry.
In 1965, Lee and Carolyn answered the call to international missions in Nigeria. They served in multiple regions including Zaki Biam and Jos. During the Nigerian Civil War, Lee took on the role of hospital administrator at Mkar Hospital. In 1973, they relocated to Wukari to launch a youth center and develop youth ministries. By 1977, they had returned to Jos to work with New Life for All (NLFA), contributing to radio and television outreach.
Despite facing neurological challenges that sidelined him for a year, Lee returned to NLFA before concluding their time in Nigeria in 1984. Back in the United States, he continued his global impact through International Aid and Outreach International by distributing relief supplies and theological training materials worldwide.
In 1990, Lee and Carolyn resumed their missionary work—this time in Manila, Philippines—training pastors and church planters. From 1993 to 1999, Lee served as field director there. His leadership helped prepare local churches for effective disaster response efforts; he was especially encouraged by the unity among Christian leaders during typhoon preparedness initiatives.
In 1999, Lee founded Walking In Their Shoes—a free global on-site counseling ministry dedicated to supporting missionaries, local pastors, and relief workers emotionally and spiritually so they could thrive within their teams and continue their essential work.
Over his lifetime of service spanning more than three million miles of air travel across Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe, Lee became known not only for his ability to handle jet lag but more importantly for his gift of listening—a gifting that impacted individuals, families, and teams..
Lee was a beloved husband to Carolyn; father to Tim and Sheryl; Brent and Kathy; Mark and Beth; Mark and Karen; Keith and Nikole; a loving grandfather to Bethany, Haley, Shaelyn, Sean, Luke, Kees, Andrew, and Ryan, Bradley, Dakota, Colin, Kara, Grace, and Grant; and great-grandfather of Phoebe, Siobhan, and Chloe.
He is lovingly remembered by his sister Esther Feikema; brothers Marvin Baas and Dennis Baas; while joining his siblings John Baas, Wilma Baas, Pearl Navis, and Ruth Senneker who preceded him in glory.
Lee found joy in simple pleasures—spending time with people over coffee or enjoying Carolyn’s cookies along with nuts, and especially ice cream. His ambidextrousness helped him do well in both golf and bowling.
His unshakable optimism was rooted not in circumstance but in an enduring trust in God’s provision. Even through recurrent malaria bouts and other tropical illnesses—and despite downplaying symptoms with characteristic “I’m doing OK” resilience—he remained steadfast until the end of his journey.
Dr. Lee Walter Baas leaves behind a legacy defined by unwavering faithfulness to his calling and a powerful testimony that the best in life is guaranteed for those who follow where God leads. May his memory continue to inspire all those whose lives he touched with Christ-like love.
Before his passing, a Celebration of Life gave Lee the opportunity to reflect with Carolyn among family and friends on God’s faithfulness through their remarkable 65 years of ministry together. A private service will be held for immediate family at Fort Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Resonate Global Mission of the Christian Reformed Church.
Arrangements handled by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444. Sign the online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
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