"Uncle Lyle liked to tinker and see what made things work. He never met a computer he didn't want to take apart! And there were a few that did get opened up. So Curious. It was fun to see that he was willing to learn how to use a computer to keep track of farm things, lodge information and make labels. He will be missed."
In loving memory of
Lyle Richard Campbell
May 22, 1930 - March 19, 2016
Utica,
Lyle Richard Campbell, 85, of Utica, died Saturday, March 19th at Season's Hospice in Rochester. Lyle was born May 22, 1930 to Stanley and Leafie (Braithwaite) Campbell. He attended Clyde Country School for eight years and graduated from St. Charles High School in 1948. On December 15, 1955 Lyle graduated from the University of Minnesota with Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. He returned home and farmed the Campbell Century Farm his entire life.
Lyle was a 64 year member of the Evergreen Masonic Lodge at Clyde, belonged to the Order of the Eastern Star in St. Charles, was active in FFA, served on the Saratoga Township Board and belonged to Winona County Old Settlers. For many years Lyle served on the Fremont Scotch Cemetery Board and helped with the restoration of the church and upkeep of the cemetery. In 1952 he was recognized for meritorious service to 4-H.
Survivors include three sisters; Donna (Russell) Wirt of Lewiston, Marian (Lester) Burgdorf of Plainview, Phyllis (Ed) Ayen of Chanhassen, a sister-in-law Cathy Campbell of St. Charles, 15 nieces and nephews; Duane (Liz) Wirt, Dennis (Kim) Wirt, Doug Wirt (Glenda Solberg), Kim (Gary) Asche, Michael (Patricia) Burgdorf, Scott Burgdorf, Mary Jo Burgdorf, Sara Olson, Denise Ayen (Paul Vitko), Eric Ayen, Wendy (John) Steffel, Sue Portugue, Tom (Janet) Campbell, John Campbell and Kelly (Brian) Shank. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Alan and a nephew Greg Campbell.
A Masonic service will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service in St. Charles. A reception will follow. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home. Burial will be at a later date at Fremont Scotch Cemetery. Please share a memory at Lyle's on-line guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com.
Tributes
"Uncle Lye was always the "quiet uncle". He was the bachelor uncle who always lived alone out on the farm. He liked to tinker, take things apart, and fix things. There are even a few stories of him fixing things that weren't broken, (he was just improving them). When he joined us for holidays, he was a gentle presence. He came and went like a whisper. We'd be talking and look around for Lyle and he'd be gone. That was Uncle Lyle. No fanfare. He would loan you his truck or a tool if you needed it. All you had to do was ask. And when he became ill, he was quiet about it. I will treasure the time and conversations with Uncle Lyle during his last few weeks. Gentle, kind, and dignified. That's how I will remember Uncle Lyle."
"Lyle was always a kind man. One fond memory we have of Uncle Lyle is in the early 80's when we started burning wood to heat our home and we were scrambling to get enough wood in before winter. . Around Thanksgiving we were talking about all the wood we were hauling from the woods to our house and Uncle Lyle asked if we had a smoke detector in case of a fire. That was not on our radar as we were too busy trying to get the wood in before winter and probably had not even occurred to us to put in a smoke alarm. (Not very wise of us.) About two days later Uncle Lyle came to our home with a new smoke detector for us and made some reason that he was in town so he thought he would pick it up. He drove over with that special delivery for us for our safety and that is one example of what a kind, thoughtful heart he had. He will be missed by all of the families. Dennis and Kim Wirt"