Lyle C. Simonson - Preston

ROCHESTER — Lyle C. Simonson, 85, of Preston, died Sunday, Nov. 21, 2010, surrounded by his family, after a brief illness, at Rochester Methodist Hospital.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2010, at Christ Lutheran Church in Preston, with Rev. James Rushton officiating. A family burial service will be held at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, prior to the memorial service, at Union Prairie Lutheran Cemetery in rural Preston.

Lyle was born April 9, 1925, on the home farm at Root Prairie, the son of James A. and Lucille (Nelson) Simonson. Following his graduation from Preston High School in 1943, he was employed by Preston Creamery Association/H. C. Christians. On Aug. 6, 1949, he married Joyce Kinneberg. Lyle and Joyce owned and operated Simonson Oil Company/Phillips 66 for 19 years. He worked for the city of Preston for 10 years prior to his retirement.

His community involvement included serving on the Preston Fire Department for 27 years, and membership in the Preston Development Corporation and the Preston Area Foundation. He was a lifelong member of Christ Lutheran Church.

As an avid Preston Blue Jay fan, he savored his 42 years as part of the football chain gang. Lyle enjoyed following all sports, especially the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. He spoiled his grandchildren and rarely missed any of their sporting events. For the past 25 years Lyle and Joyce have wintered in the Rio Grande Valley in Texas.

Lyle is survived by his wife of 61 years, Joyce; two daughters, Susan (Rick) Grooters of Preston and Diane (Steve) Carr of Rochester; grandchildren, Peter (Alicia) Carr of Eagan, Minn., and Katie Carr of Rochester; two sisters, Janice (Charles) Winch of Rockford, Ill., and Alta McCarthy of Appleton, Wis.; one brother, James A. (Rita) Simonson of Preston; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Jerome.

Friends may call from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23, at Christ Lutheran Church in Preston, and one hour prior to services on Wednesday.

Online condolences may be left at thauwaldfuneralhomes.com .