In fact, she contends Starbuck is the home to the states best drug store, the best bank in the state, the best coffee shops, the best bakery, and the friendliest staff at a grocery store in the state. But their love for the area doesn’t stop there as the two recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the Starbuck Community Center, a place Nancy said she was happy to see built.

"We just thought the community center was a wonderful thing," she said. "We had our 50th wedding anniversary there and it is just a treasure to this area."

The Lee’s first came to the Lake Minnewaska area in 1988 when Gib, who was the bishop of the American Lutheran Church in Northern Minnesota, wanted to return to the pulpit. He was called to be the pastor of Glenwood Lutheran Church, a place the two had always wanted to live, but never thought they would be able to call home.

Driving back and forth between the seminary and Nancy’s hometown of Fergus Falls, the two would often stop at Mt. Lookout, gaze upon the horizon and think, "someday wouldn’t we like to live there." said Nancy.
Gib served as a pastor at GLC until 1996, when his health forced him to retire. The two left the area for a short time, but returned six years ago when they moved into a new town home on East 2nd St. The new home was a blessing for the couple as they were able to move back and be a part of a community they always loved.
Since moving back to Starbuck, the two have remained busy in not only the community, but Fron Lutheran Church to which they are members. A coffee and cake farewell was held on July 13 to help show the communities support for the two.
In the final few days before they leave, Gib said there are a number of things the two will miss but above everything else, there are two things they will miss the most.
"We’ll miss the lake and the people," said Gib.
A sentiment that is sure to go both ways.Gilbert and Nancy Lee have made the Lake Minnewaska area their home for most of the past 20 years.