Kai Lee

Sun Prairie - Kai Ping Lee, age 65 passed away on Thursday, September 10, 2015 with his loving family by his side. Kai Ping was born on August 29, 1950 in Taiwan, the son of Te Sheng and Shing Chi Lee.

In 1973, Kai Ping moved to the United States, arriving into Tampa, Florida and taking a Greyhound Bus all the way to New York City for find his older brother. After arriving into New York, he got himself a job at a restaurant as a dishwasher. Kai Ping was eager to learn more and dearly wanted to become a chef. It was common for him to stay later after everyone left to volunteer and practice his culinary skills. One day his opportunity arrived and a chef never showed up for work, which allowed him to be able to step in. Following that, he was hired and his dream to become a chef began. Over the years, Kai Ping started numerous restaurants in various states, including Colorado, Tennessee, New Jersey, New York, Texas and Wisconsin. He is most notably known in this area for running the Imperial Garden on East Washington Avenue. On October 28, 1981, Kai Ping was united in marriage to Fong Chih Hsu "Rose" with two of their dear friends at the Capital here in Madison. Kai Ping will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Kai Ping is survived by his Rose Lee of Sun Prairie; two children, Tim Lee of Madison and Ted Lee of Sun Prairie; three brothers, Kai Yang Lee, Kai Tong Lee, and Kai Lung Lee; two sisters, Yung Shing and Yung Hong and five best friends; Gang Jian Wang, Tom Li, Jerry Klabacka, Tom Stieber and Moon Tsang. He was preceded in death by his mother.

A memorial service will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie on Saturday, September 19, 2015 at 2:00 pm with Pastor Jerry Amstutz officiating. A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2015 from 1:00 pm until the time of service.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to nurse Sara from B6 at UW-Hospital for all the kindness and care given to Kai Ping and our family.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services
1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie
608-837-9054