Lyle Lett

Although he accomplished so much of which to be proud, there is nothing that was of greater significance in the life of Lyle Lett than the faith he fully embraced. He was a prayer warrior who was never overbearing in sharing the reason for the joy in his heart, rather, it was the way he lived a life of purpose and compassion for others that was his greatest witness. Second only to his faith was the love Lyle had for his family that blossomed to include the children and grandchildren he treasured. He was a hard worker who could pinch pennies with the best of them and believed in doing things right the first time. The timeless legacy Lyle leaves behind will be proudly carried on by those who follow him.

The decade of the Roaring Twenties was one of the most vibrant time periods in our nation’s history. Refrigerators, affordable automobiles, and motion pictures in both color and sound were signs of the times. It was during this exciting time that a bustling family from Remus, Michigan, celebrated an exciting year of their own as they announced the birth of their baby boy on December 28, 1926, Lyle D. He was one of seven children born to his parents. He grew up on a farm, establishing a strong work ethic as he tended to both crops and cows. Life was anything but easy for his family during the trying days of the Great Depression as they struggled to make ends meet. Farm life never agreed with Lyle so he moved from the farm to Grand Rapids where he lived with his sister.

As a young man Lyle was drafted into the Army during the days of WWII. While in the service he was primarily a truck driver in the Aleutian Islands. Although he didn’t mind his time in the military he was not too fond of where he was stationed nor the boat ride that took him there.

Not to be forgotten during Lyle’s time in the military was his deepening love for a young girl he had met in the neighborhood as a young man. Her name was Elaine, and he proposed while still overseas. With a desire to establish a life together, Lyle and Elaine were married on September 12, 1947, in her mother’s home. Their families were close, and one of his brothers also married one of her sisters. Elaine always said that the key to the success of their marriage was plenty of patience, understanding, and forgiveness, but having God at the center was the crucial ingredient. Together Lyle and his wife welcomed four children into their hearts and home: Lyle, Linda, Dennis, and Michelle. As a family they enjoyed camping, first in a tent and later in a camper before finally graduating to a trailer. The Lett family went all over Michigan and also in nearby Canada. Lyle loved singing around the campfire with his family. In childhood or adulthood he always reminded his children how much he loved them and would check to see if they needed anything.

Even though he was raised in the church, becoming a father inspired him to bring his faith to a new level as he desired a deeper walk with the Lord. He fully committed himself to doing God’s work throughout his life here on earth. It was with that in mind that Lyle began sharing his faith with others wherever he went, and he often wore clothing with scripture including a hat with John 3:16 on it. As a family they attended Sunshine Church for several years where Lyle also served as an elder. He was a good roll model for his children, and he frequently lead them in Bible study. It was not uncommon for their family to gather in the home to sing and praise the Lord with Lyle on the harmonica and Dennis playing the guitar.

Lyle’s earliest career days were spent at Lear, and he later moved to McInerny Spring and Wire, which proved to be a good fit for the 42 years that followed. He was an arc welder for many years, and as he got older drove the hi-lo and later became a setup man. Always frugal, Lyle was not only focused on keeping his family on a budget, but he also worked plenty of overtime.

Throughout his life Lyle was one to keep busy. He was always puttering around the house and was a true handyman who could fix nearly anything including manufacturing whatever part was needed. Lyle practically built their house over a period of 56 years and was very proud of his work, too. He also took great pride in the many roses he planted around the yard. Lyle didn’t hesitate to help out around the house as he did plenty of laundry, cleaning, and cooking.

Later in life Lyle continued to live fully. He was thrilled to welcome grandchildren into the family and loved having them over - although it was alright when they needed to leave as well. Lyle was also known for joking and teasing his grandchildren with his great sense of humor. Both he and Elaine loved Fourth of July gatherings with their family. They were remarried in their 50th wedding anniversary. Sadly, his health began to decline about two years ago.

With unending love for all who were within his reach, Lyle Lett was a blessing in every way. His faith was an inspiration to others, and his devotion to his family was unmatched. Lyle and his wife had a marriage that exemplified what God truly intended a marriage to be as they were soul mates, best friends, and true companions with the faith they shared as their solid foundation. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

LETT - Lyle D. Lett, age 87 of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully on Friday January 31, 2014 and went home to be with his Lord and Savior. Lyle enjoyed sharing the love of Christ with others. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He was preceded in death by his son, Lyle I. Lett; and by his brother and sisters. Lyle is survived by his wife of 66 years, Elaine; their children Linda Wheeler, Dennis and Becky Lett, Michelle and Steven Whip, Catherine Lett; grandchildren Melissa Robinson, Angela Lett, Anthony (Tiena) Lett, Marie (Aaron) Rieley, Gary Wheeler, Tamela Lett, Adam Lett, Timothy (Tonya) Lett, Anna (Buck) Bentley, Kaci (Josh) Halsel, Corey Hill, Matthew (Kelly) Whip, Benjamin Whip and Gabrielle Whip; sisters-in-law Lorraine Elsbury and Birdie VanDyke, as well as many nieces and nephews. A service to remember and celebrate Lyle's life will be held on Tuesday, February 4 at 11 AM at New Community Church. Interment in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Friends are invited to visit with Lyle's family on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE. For those who wish, memorial contributions Spectrum Health Hospice are appreciated. To read more about Lyle's life, to share a memory or sign the guestbook, visit www.lifestorynet.com