Lyle S. Simonson, age 93, of Gary, MN, died on Tuesday, December 17, 2019, at the Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND, surrounded by family.

Lyle Sylven Simonson was born to Soren and Orva (Jones) Simonson on September 28, 1926, in Gary, MN. Lyle attended country school near Gary through the 8 ^th grade, when his family moved to California. As a young man, he had worked many different jobs. Lyle was united in marriage to Donna Lunde on February 15, 1945, in Redwood City, CA. In 1946, they moved back to Minnesota, to make their home where Lyle took over her family's farm near Flom, MN. They were blessed with two children, Larry and Loma. In addition to farming, Lyle was also employed by American Crystal Sugar Company as a master mechanic for twenty years. Donna passed away on March 9, 1991. He later married Joyce Hanson on July 11, 1992, and the couple lived near Gary, MN. Lyle attended the University of Minnesota in Crookston, MN, studying Horticulture, which helped them in owning and operating a greenhouse for several years near Gary.

Lyle always kept busy and never shied away from hard work. After retiring from farming, he went back to work as a maintenance worker for the city of Gary, for 20+ years before officially retiring at the age of 88. In his spare time, Lyle enjoyed fishing, family trips to Montana, going out to eat, especially at the Red Lobster, and spending time with friends and family. Lyle was a genuinely kind individual, with a fun-loving personality, who brought out the best in everyone. He was an inspiration to his family of loyalty, hard work, perseverance and enjoying every day to the fullest. Lyle will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Lyle is survived by his wife, Joyce of Gary; three daughters, Loma Gullingsrud of Twin Valley, MN, Tanya (Loren) Waldo of Gary and Crystal (Heath) Stene of Ada, MN; 13 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews. Lyle was also survived by his son, Larry, who passed away just two days after Lyle.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Soren and Orva; first wife, Donna; three sisters, and two brothers; and his mother in law, Myrtle Hellerud.