Lyle Kallestad

Lyle Irving Kallestad was born August 12, 1928, on the family farm near Michigan in Nelson County, North Dakota, to John C. and Minnie (Master) Kallestad. He was baptized at Michigan Lutheran Church and attended Williams Consolidated School. He graduated from Michigan High School in 1946 and in September was inducted into the US Army. He was assigned to the Signal Corps and served with Occupational Forces in Yokohama, Japan. Following his honorable discharge in December 1947, he enrolled at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, where he received his Bachelors Degree in Education.

On June 30, 1950, at Center Lutheran Church in rural Michigan, Lyle was united in marriage to Donna Hendrickson. After marriage they lived and taught in Colgate, Finley and Lakota, North Dakota. During these years Lyle continued his education and received his Masters Degree in Counseling and Guidance from the University of North Dakota. He worked as a Counselor at Wahpeton High School, Grand Forks Central High School, and Eielson Elementary School in North Dakota. Lyle also served as president and member of the North Dakota Personnel and Guidance Association, and was a member of NEA and NDEA. After his retirement, Lyle and Donna moved to Northfield, Minnesota to be near their sons.

Lyle was an active vocalist - singing with church choirs, the Concordia College Concert Choi, the Alphaen Male Chorus (Wahpeton), the Troubadours Mens Chorus (Northfield), and as a soloist at numerous weddings and funerals. In Grand Forks Lyle was a member of Sharon Lutheran Church, Golden Kiwanis, the Grand Forks Senior Center and Lincoln Golf Club. Activities in Northfield included membership at St. John's Lutheran Church, the Northfield Senior Center, and the Northfield Golf Club. His favorite pastime was golfing with friends and family.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Donna; 2 sons and their wives, Leigh and Mavis of Wayzata, Minnesota; Scott and Elaine of Boone, North Carolina; 2 grandchildren, Adam and Marie Kallestad; his brother, John of Michigan; 2 step-sisters: Marian Hendrickson of McVille, Susie Brichnac of Park River; 3 step-brothers: Wayne (Marilyn) Reep of Bismarck, James Reep of Devils Lake, Gene Reep of Michigan; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Manvil, his step-mother Clara Kallestad, and his step-brother Richard Reep.

Lyle passed away unexpectedly on Sunday evening, March 31, 2013, at the Northfield Hospital, at the age of 84.

Funeral services will be 2:00PM Friday, April 5, 2013 at Michigan Lutheran Church in Michigan, ND. Spring interment will be in Michigan Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church on Friday one hour prior to the service. Military honors will be provided by W.L. Cowper American Legion Post #238, Michigan, ND.