Lyle Carl Johansen, 78, of West Union died Monday, May 28, 2018 at Maple Crest Manor Fayette, Iowa surrounded by family. Lyle was born February 26, 1940 to Carl and Bernice (Kamaus). He graduated high school in 1958 as a member of the last West Union Bombers class. On February 24, 1961 Lyle was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Lois Jacobson. Four sons were born to this union: Lee (and so began the “L” saga), Lonny, Larry, and Lane.
Lyle had a passion for farming and was a master hog farmer; he appreciated the stability farming provided his family. In reflecting on Lyle’s life, family noted his love of Nascar (he even had the pants to prove it), his Scrooge-like appreciation of Christmas, his pleasure in “stirring the pot,” and a work ethic that allowed him to be a great provider for his family. Grandson Lincoln can tell you about Grandpa’s enduring love of tractors; Nick J. can tell about the joy a kindergartner feels when picked up from school by his grandpa pulling a livestock trailer. Ask Lonny about Lyle’s art of making his point clear. Lois remembers how Lyle enjoyed having coffee regularly at the hog buying station and Wilson’s Feed & Supply. Grandson Nate can tell you about Grandpa’s enjoyment of a good card game (and card club friends can add to that story). Granddaughters Emily and Chloe can highlight the perks of being the token girls among many (many) boys. Golf stories and love for 1980’s Iowa basketball are fond memories, as is Lyle’s enjoyment of reading the Des Moines Register cover-to-cover.
Lyle’s position as a farmer and father was a natural fit for his role as a supporter of FFA. Each of his sons were actively involved in FFA. Lyle supported the great opportunities FFA offered; he also noted the demands involvement dictated, and in good humor, he referred to FFA as father-farms-alone.
In 2014 Lyle became a great-grandpa. At his death he had four great grandchildren (and a 5th expected in November): Lily & Levi (“L’s” continue), Nora & Otto. Lyle was amazed by how quickly these babes grew and how they walked on their tip toes (those who know Lyle best recognize Lyle’s sensitivity to toes).
Lyle is missed by his wife, sons and daughter-in-laws, and grandchildren: Lee (Linda) Johansen of West Union; sons Lucas (Lexie), Landon (Lindsay). Lonny (Tiffany) Johansen of West Union; children Nicholas (Amie), Nathan (Liz Franzen), Amber Fox and Bryce Adams. Larry (Anna Kalkoff) of Cedar Falls; children Nick Hambly and Emily Hambly. Lane (Lezley) of West Union; children Lincoln and Chloe. Four great-grandchildren. One brother, Richard (Betty) Johansen of Tripoli. Lyle is also survived by sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews. Lyle was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Bernice Johansen, and his in-laws, Arnold and Hilda Jacobson.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm on Sunday, June 3, 2018 at Zion Lutheran Church, West Union, Iowa. There will also be a one hour visitation before services at the church on Monday.
Funeral Service will be at 10:30 am on Monday, June 4, 2018 at Zion Lutheran Church, West Union, Iowa with Rev. Adam Starrett as the officiant.
Burial will follow at West Union Cemetery, West Union, Iowa.
Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, West Union, Iowa is helping the family with arrangements.