Lyle Witte

Lyle R. Witte, age 90 of Morton, Minnesota, passed away Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at Garnette Gardens in Redwood Falls, Minnesota. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, November 1, 2024, at Zion Lutheran Church, in Morton, Minnesota with full Military Honors at the church. A burial will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 11:00 a.m., in the Morton City Cemetery. A visitation will be held one and half hour prior to his service, from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the church.

The Nelson-Hillestad Funeral and Cremation Service of Morgan and Redwood Falls are in charge of the arrangements. E-mail condolences may be sent via www.nelson-hillestad.com.

Lyle Raymond Witte was born on January 1, 1934, on his grandfather's farm in Birch Coulee Township, Renville County, Minnesota, Lyle was the son of Raymond and Bernice (Block) Witte.

Lyle's early years were spent farming alongside his father, fostering a love for agriculture that would define much of his life. His education began at School District 19, followed by Morton Public School, from which Lyle graduated in 1951. In 1955, Lyle joined the Army, serving with honor for 17 months in Seoul, Korea, where he was a dedicated member of the military police.

On June 1, 1958, Lyle was united in marriage to Joyce Anderson at the First United Methodist Church in Redwood Falls. Together, they created a life filled with love and commitment. Initially residing in a trailer house on the home farm, Lyle and Joyce later rented a farm site with 168 acres south of Bird Island. Lyle furthered his military career by training at Fort Benning to become an officer in the National Guards, exemplifying their dedication to service. Following the passing of Lyle's father, they returned to the family farm where Lyle expanded their farming endeavors, eventually entering the cattle business through the encouragement of Deloris Angermyer.

Lyle learned to fly planes from Bill Lothert. They would fly to Canada to hunt wolves. Lyle purchased a helicopter in 1960 and began his own commercial crop dusting business.

Lyle's community involvement was extensive and impactful. As a proud member of Zion Lutheran Church, he served various positions on the church board for over 50 years. Lyle's commitment to agriculture and community was also evident in his membership with the Cattleman's Association and his role as a director of the REA of Renville and Sibley County for more than 24 years.

Beyond their dedication to work and community, Lyle enjoyed pursuits such as fishing at their cabin on Nest Lake, hunting in Minnesota and Canada, boating, and traveling. These passions enriched their life, creating lasting memories shared with family and friends.

Lyle is survived by his wife, Joyce Witte of Redwood Falls; brother-in-law's, Art and (Carol) Anderson of Redwood Falls and Gary Cornwell of Morton and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Bernice Witte; parents-in-law, Swede and Nellie Anderson; sister and brother-in-law, Ardell (Raymond) Jensen and sister, Harriett Cornwell.

Blessed be his memory.