Lyle Irving Lundeen
September 19, 1939 ~ August 15, 2018
Lyle Lundeen, Sioux Falls, age 78, went to Heaven, on August 15, 2018, to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ.
No services are scheduled at this time due to family deployments through the military. Services will be upon their return. Please check back to this site for updates.
Lyle was born on September 19, 1939 in Centerville, SD to Oscar and Verla (Squires) Lundeen. Following his graduation from Centerville High School, Lyle joined the United States Army and attended boot camp at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. After being honorably discharged from the service, he attended Southern State Teacher’s College in Springfield, SD. He was united in marriage to Madonna Young at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Wakonda, SD on September 30, 1961. The couple lived in Wagner, SD where their first child, Mary was born. Lyle was a teacher at a local country school. The family then moved to Sacramento, CA where Lyle attended California State University. The couple missed the Midwest and returned to Sioux Falls, SD where their second child, Lyle, Jr. was born.
Lyle was a Territorial Sales Manager for PPG industries from 1972 to 1991 when ill health forced him into early retirement. During his career with PPG, Lyle broke sales records, earned many sales awards, and was the top sales manager in the United States in 1990. He often flew to Pittsburgh, PA, Chicago, IL, and St. Louis, MO for sales meetings and paint conventions. He held a five-state region including South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, and North Dakota. Over the many miles, Lye developed many friendships and an expertise of the best dining places in the Midwest.
Lyle was an avid traveler and his biggest joy was taking his kids on wonderful family vacations each summer. The family traveled all over the United States and Canada, experiencing many cherished memories. Lyle also vacationed in Cancun, Mexico and traveled to Manila, Philippines on a missionary trip to witness for Christ.
Lyle had many abilities and talents. He was a beautiful dancer, and in his youth was a dance instructor for Arthur Murray Dance Studio. He loved flowers and took pride in keeping an immaculate lawn and raising hybrid and bearded Iris. He enjoyed photography, music, literature, and was a big movie buff. Lyle was the proud of his family history. His two great-grandfather’s on his mother’s side served the Union in the Ohio infantry and participated in a major battle at Lookout Mountain, TN. He was also a descendant of the Revolutionary War of patriot, John Neal of Delaware.
Lyle was a deeply committed Christian and a longtime member of The First Baptist Church in Sioux Falls. His Bible was well worn and he began each day with his devotions. He was a member of the Ambassadors Bible Study at his church and was close friends with Pastor Richard Pearsons.
Many will remember Lyle by his trademark Cazal eyeglasses which made him instantly recognizable. He will also be remembered for his friendly and talkative nature. He was a devoted son, father, and a loyal friend. His acerbic wit, brilliant observations, and great wisdom will be greatly missed by his loved ones.
Lyle is survived by his daughter, Mary Claus, Sioux Falls; four grandchildren, Dan Baker and his fiance, Amanda Zimmerman, Sioux Falls, Zach (Yaoyao) Claus, Las Vegas, NV, Crystal (Nick) Gerhrig, Aurora, CO, and Erica Claus, Sioux Falls; two great-grandchildren, Harry and Berlin; his sister-in-law, Gloria Lundeen, Round Rock, TX; three nephews, Chad (Ashley) Lundeen, Brett Lundeen, all of TX, and Kenneth Lundeen, Jr., Aberdeen, SD; and ex-wife, Madonna Lundeen, Sioux Falls.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Verla Lundeen; brother, Dr. Kenneth Lundeen; and son, Lyle Lundeen, Jr.
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