Lyle Griese

Lyle Griese, 89 of Gettysburg, passed away Sunday, December 11, 2011 at his home in Gettysburg.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Gettysburg. Burial followed in St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, Onaka. Visitation was held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 13, 2011 with a 7:00 p.m. scripture service at the church.

Lyle was born August 6, 1922 in Tolstoy, SD at the family home in Springs Community to Edward and Matilda (Dale) Griese.  Throughout his childhood, Lyle worked on the family farm and grew to love farm life.  He met Josephine Barondeau while she was working in the Springs Community and they were married April 10, 1944.  They resided on the family farm until 1997 and then moved to Gettysburg.

Lyle and Josephine were happily married for 62 years.  They cherished the opportunity to watch their family grow over the years and loved spending as much time as possible with their 33 grandchildren and 60 great-grandchildren. 

Lyle was proud to be a “farmer” and farmed until the time of his death. He was an active member of his community by donating his time and talents for the benefit of those around him.  He served on the Fairview Township school board, the Potter County ASCS board, and helped organize the care for the Springs Community cemetery.  Lyle was a member of the Knights of Columbus, a strong supporter of the Diocese of Sioux Falls, the Catholic Foundation for Eastern South Dakota, and his local church.

In his later years, his time was spent visiting with neighbors, attending livestock sales, playing cards at the Gettysburg Senior Center, woodworking in his shop, and watching baseball.

Survivors include his children Carol (Roger) Simon of Tolstoy, Dwayne (JoAnn) Griese of Woodbridge, VA., Kathy (Mike) Geraets of Dell Rapids, Marcia (Roger) Liebig of Gettysburg, Donald (Theresa) Griese of Aberdeen, Mary (Doug) Turner of Bowdle and Linda (Ken) Sevigny of Olathe, KS; 31 grandchildren, 58 great-grandchildren; and brother, Lloyd Griese of North Highland, CA. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Josephine; his parents; an infant son, Gerald; daughter, Joan; sisters, Laura, Edna, Sylvia, Agnes, Mabel, and Leona; grandson, Andrew Liebig; granddaughter, Kristina Sevigny; and great granddaughters Chole and Ellie Geraets.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to Compassionate Care Hospice, 807 E Hwy 212, Gettysburg, SD 57442.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Lyle’s arrangements.