Lyle L. Winterfeldt

Obituary

Lyle Leonard Winterfeldt was born on February 5, 1933, in Brownton, Minnesota, to Leonard and Elva (Ponath) Winterfeldt. He was baptized into the Christian faith on February 26, 1933, by his uncle, Rev. W. E. Diemer, and later confirmed on April 14, 1946, by Rev. J. H. Kolberg at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Penn Township, McLeod County.

Raised on the family farm, Lyle attended District #32 Country School through the eighth grade and graduated with the Brownton High School Class of 1950.  After graduation, he worked on the family farm and also did custom work for other local farmers.

On August 19, 1953, Lyle proudly entered the United States Army, serving in the Armored Field Artillery Battalion at Fort Hood, Texas. He attained the rank of Corporal and was honorably discharged on June 17, 1955.

Returning home, Lyle expanded the family’s dairy and crop farming operations. In the spring of 1968, he was offered the position of City Clerk for Glencoe, Minnesota, marking the beginning of a new chapter in public service. He sold the dairy herd but continued to crop farm the home place.

On September 27, 1968, Lyle was united in marriage to Elaine S. Klaustermeier at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie, Minnesota. They made their home in Glencoe and were blessed with two sons, Paul and Neil. Lyle and Elaine shared over 52 years of marriage until Elaine’s passing in 2021.

In 1979, Lyle began working for Glencoe Mills Inc. as a Procurement Manager. Following the company’s acquisition by International Multifoods Inc. in 1987, he continued his work and was transferred to their downtown Minneapolis office in 1989. When Ag-Processing Inc. acquired the feed division in 1992, Lyle commuted weekly to their corporate office in Omaha, Nebraska, until his retirement in 1995.

Even in retirement, Lyle remained active, working part-time and seasonal jobs with Hueser Grain, Green Giant, Glencoe Butter & Produce, and Johnson-McBride Funeral Chapel. He also served on the Glencoe Planning and Industrial Commission (1995–2002) and the Glencoe City Council (2002–2006).

Lyle was a man of deep faith and service. A devoted member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe, he served as an usher, school board member, deacon, and assisted with worship services at long-term care facilities. He was a proud member of American Legion Post #95, participating in parades and funerals as part of the Honor Guard. He also served as president of the Brownton Rod and Gun Club and volunteered at the McLeod County Fair for over 50 years.

Over the years Lyle enjoyed bowling, playing cards, reading newspapers and magazines, keeping up on current events, listening to old-time music, visiting with friends, and caring for the farm.  Lyle’s happiest moments were with his family, especially his grandkids.  His smile was always the brightest when they came around.  Known for his kind heart, gentle humor, and social spirit, Lyle will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Lyle passed away peacefully on July 8, 2025, at the age of 92 years, 5 months, and 3 days. Blessed be his memory.

Survived by:
Sons: Paul (Kristi) Winterfeldt of Roseville, MN; Neil (Melanie) Winterfeldt of Brownton, MN;
Grandchildren: Paige, Ethan, Ty, Brielle, Elsa, and Cody;
Brother: Warren Winterfeldt of Glencoe, MN;
Many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends

Preceded in death by:
His beloved wife, Elaine Winterfeldt;
Parents, Leonard and Elva Winterfeldt;
Parents-in-law, Herbert and Sybilla Klaustermeier;
Siblings-in-law: Harold and Elaine Klaustermeier, Leo and Mabel Schmidt, Nancy Winterfeldt;
Nephews: Craig Winterfeldt and Gary Schmidt