Lyle "Pete" L.

Schleusener

Lyle "Pete" Leroy Schleusener, 90, of O'Neill, died Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022 at Avera St. Anthony's Hospital in O'Neill.

Visitation was held Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill with a prayer service.

Funeral services were held Monday, Dec. 12, 2022 at Faith Community Church in O'Neill.

Burial was in the Orchard Hill Cemetery in Orchard with military rites provided by the Orchard American Legion Post 136.

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.

Lyle was born on March 23, 1932 to John and Eleanor (Leimer) Schleusener in Orchard. He attended Orchard High School, graduating in 1949. 

Lyle owned and operated Gordon Drayton Elevator Company, buying and selling grain and feed. 

Lyle joined the United States Navy, serving from 1952-1956. He was honorably discharged on April 20, 1956.

On Dec. 22, 1956, Lyle married Margaret Jane Drayton in Orchard. To this union three children were born Shari, Robin and Julie.

The couple made their home in Orchard for the next 63 years. Lyle continued to work at Gordon Drayton Elevator Company until his retirement in 1994. In 2019, the couple then moved to O'Neill.

Lyle found much enjoyment in restoring 1950's Oldsmobiles and collecting old coins. He was an avid baseball fan – taking a strong liking to the Chicago Cubs. 

Lyle was a proud member of the American Legion.

Lyle is survived by his wife of nearly 66 years Margaret Jane of O'Neill; three daughters Shari (Greg) Mattern of Sioux Falls, SD, Robin (Mike) Stevens of Lincoln and Julie (Gary) Beecroft of Siren, WI; five grandchildren Joshua (Stacie) Mattern, Christopher (Jamie) Mattern, Melanie (Ryan) Van Tol, Angie Stevens (Nick Mortenson) and Amy (Blaine) Martin; 14 great-grandchildren; one brother Merle (Kay) Schleusener of Bettendorf, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents John and Eleanor Schleusener; three sisters Marie Schleusener, Dorothy Schleusener and Velma (Joe) Sivesind; and two brothers Curt (Janice) Schleusener and Stuart (Bonna Jane) Schleusener.