Martin Leroy "Lee" Svendsen, age 71 and a lifelong resident of Elwood, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at home on Monday, October 2, 2017 following a courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis.  He was born February 10, 1946 in Elwood, the son of Harold Gene and Pearl "Louise" (Franklin) Svendsen.  Lee worked at Rolls Royce Corporation in Indianapolis as an HVAC Journeyman for 34 years and retired in 2011.  He was a 1964 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School, and later attended Purdue University where he played football.  He married the love of his life, Gloria Thornbury, on August 21, 1965, and they shared 52 years of marriage together.  Lee was known to be a lifelong learner, and he continued his education at Ivy Tech College and through Rolls Royce educational programs.  He was a member of the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers Society.  Lee liked everything related to cars and airplanes; loved woodworking; and enjoyed fishing.  He also enjoyed watching Western movies on television, having seen most "John Wayne" movies multiple times.  More than anything, Lee loved his family and spending time with his children and grandchildren.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Lee's family includes his wife of 52 years, Gloria Svendsen of Elwood; 2 daughters, Kerry (husband Matt) Quillen of Elwood, and Corry Svendsen-Ault of Elwood; grandchildren, Danny Quillen (Jared Hess) of Columbus, OH, Kayti Quillen (Dave Dollarschall) of Hugo, OK, Becca Quillen (Andrew Harting) of Elwood, Marissa (husband Justin) Runyan of Fortville, and Morgan Ault (Phil Klinger) of Elwood; sister, Cathy (husband Mike) Pickell of Indianapolis; brother in law, Robert (wife Peggy) Thornbury; 4 sisters-in-law, Nancy (husband Larry) May, Lisa (husband Jay) DeMais; LeeAnn (husband John) Poe, and Gail Poe; many cousins, nephews and nieces; great nephews and great nieces; and numerous kids he loved and influenced through the years and he considered his family.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Brad Svendsen; sister, Sherry Svendsen; grandparents, Arthur and Pearl Franklin, Holgar Svendsen, and Edna (Bryant) Svendsen.

A life celebration visitation for Lee will be conducted from 2 to 6 pm on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood.  Cremation will follow the services, and burial will take place at a later date in Elwood.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the "Lee Svendsen Memorial Scholarship" to be presented prior to Elwood's 2017-2018 school year graduation.  Online expressions of condolence may be made to the family at copherfeslermay.com.