Lyle Christianson, 60, Halstad, MN, and Arvada, CO, died on Friday, September 14, 2012, at the Hillsboro Medical Center, Hillsboro, ND.

Lyle Dale was born June 10, 1952, at Ada, MN, the son of Roy and Dorothy (Jacobson) Christianson. He graduated from Halstad High School and attended college at the University of Minnesota, at both Morris and Crookston. Lyle was united in marriage to Shelly (Karla)Schulz on July 14, 1973, in Fargo. They made their home on the farm near Halstad. Lyle also known as "Smiley" by his family and friends worked on the family farm most of his life. In 1999 he moved to California and worked in Agri-Business for several years. The last four years have been spent between Minnesota and Colorado.

Over his lifetime Lyle was active in his community and church. He was an Executive Board Member of the Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers '90-'98 and Vice President from '95-'98. He was Den Leader for local Cub Scouts Group 631. He was a volunteer on the Halstad Rescue Squad. He was Chairman of the Halstad Township Board. He was instrumental in keeping the REA as a local CO-Op.

During the years his children were growing up he was busy attending and supporting their school activities and sports and those of their classmates and friends. He was Vice President of Halstad Lutheran Church in the 1980's. He was a youth group leader for the Halstad Lutheran Church. Many summers were spent at the family bible camp at Camp Minnewaukan.

Lyle cherished his family and friends, his nephews, nieces and their children were dear to his heart. Lyle loved sports of all kinds excelling in football in HS. He was Tri-Captain of the undefeated '69-'70 football team. He was named All Conference and All State. He was a delegate to Boys State his junior year and he earned the title of State Farmer in FFA. Lyle was active in political and farm issues and hosted the Vice Presidential candidate "Patrick Lucey", running mate of John Anderson at his farm in 1980. Lyle was a kind soul with a big heart and even bigger hug. If he hugged you, you knew it!

Lyle recently spent one of his self proclaimed "Best Days Ever" with family and friends on his 60th birthday party playing his final round of golf with his two sons and closest friends. Lyle looked forward to spring work and harvest. Over the past two years he would lend a hand to Kevin Paulsrud and Roger and Mike Anderson. He had just started the harvest last Thursday before passing away Friday morning.

At the time of his death Lyle's wishes were to be an Organ and Tissue donor to improve and extend the lives of others. At a later date Lyle's ashes will be scattered over the farmland he loved. Blessed be the memory of Lyle Christianson. "Love the ones God gave you, because he will need them back one day".

Lyle is survived by his wife, Shelly (Karla), two sons, Toby of Davenport, IA and Joe of Manhasset, NY, two daughters, Genise of Broomfield, CO and Kiara of Glenwood Springs, CO, three brothers and two sisters, Gene (Penny) Christianson, Fargo, ND, Harvey (Cheryl) Christianson, Halstad, MN, Diane (Bob) Knote, Dickinson, ND, Linda (Rod) Rath, Black Hawk, SD, and Rodney (Heidi) Christianson, Brookings, SD, his mother-in-law, JoAnn Schulz, Fargo, ND, three brothers-in-law, Jan Schulz, Shelly, MN, Jack (Betty) Schulz, Bismarck, ND, Chris (Tina) Schulz, Osage, MN, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law, Carl Schulz.

Memorial service: 11 AM. Thursday, September 20, 2012, at Halstad Lutheran Church, Halstad, MN.

Visitation: 5-7 PM Wednesday, September 19, 2012, with a 7 PM prayer service at the church.