Lyle Wayne Meldahl

Lyle W. Meldahl passed away peacefully with family Tuesday, October 15, 2024. Lyle was the eldest son of Paul Cyrus and Thelma (Bendickson) Meldahl, and beloved husband of Ann Hongerholt.

In his younger years, they moved to a farm five miles from Choice, where Lyle walked to school as a first grader. He later attended Scotland School through the eighth grade. He then attended Harmony High School, graduating in 1963.

After graduating, Lyle joined the Air Force and was honorably discharged, because of a back injury.

He worked for his father and area farmers. He was a conscientious person, and farmers would often call on him to milk their herds while they went on vacation.

After Ann and Lyle were married, they moved to Lanesboro and were soon joined by Joan. While living there he drove school bus for Lanesboro Schools, while also attending Winona State, graduating in three years with double majors in psychology and sociology.

He worked many jobs over the years. Some of his favorites included the State Parks and SEMCAC. At SEMCAC, he started as a bus driver, moved to be supervisor of their transportation programs, and also the housing programs. He enjoyed traveling the seven counties they served and most importantly being able to help as many people as he could.

He actively farmed from 1976 to 2014. They first purchased the Westby farm and soon after Sherrie was born.

After SEMCAC, he obtained his real estate license and purchased and sold various farms in the area.

He was an active participant in his community serving on many Boards and Councils including Henrytown Church Council, the Highland Prairie Church Council, the Highland Prairie Church Foundation Board, the Good Shepherd Board, the Fillmore County Economic Development Commission, and the Norway Township Board.

One of the projects to improve his community was convincing the Fillmore County Corn Growers Association to put an ethanol plan in Preston.

Lyle and Ann loved to travel including to Australia, New Zealand, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Canada, and Mexico. They also were able to visit all lower forty-eight states and Hawaii.

They also took immense joy in spending time with their granddaughters.

Surviving are his children, Joan (Blake) Murnan, Bloomington, MN and Sherrie (Paul) Nurkala, Prairie du Sac, WI; grandchildren, Ellie, Katie, Audrie, Lillyann, and Natalie; brothers, Danny (Becky), Paul (JoAnne), Gary (Heidi), Lynn (Tracy), Bruce (Theresa), Roger (Michelle), and sister Rosie (Lyle) Morey; and many nieces and nephews.

Lyle was preceded in death by his parents and parents-in-law, Matthew and Beulah Hongerholt; grandson, Matthew Paul Nurkala; and godson/nephew, Jon Danny Meldahl.

The family suggests memorials be made to Highland Prairie Lutheran Church.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 19, at Highland Prairie Lutheran Church, rural Peterson, MN. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be at Highland Prairie Church and on Friday, October 18, from 5-7 pm and again from 1-2 p.m. on Saturday.

Lyle will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy of kindness, dedication, and community service will forever live on in the hearts of those he touched.