Obituaries : Lyle F. Albert

Lyle F. Albert, 80, of Oelwein, formerly of Vinton, died peacefully Friday, March 5, 2010, at Mercy Living Plus in Oelwein, IA, from complications of Parkinson’s Disease. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 pm Monday, March 8, 2010 and from 9:30 until service time on Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home, Vinton. Funeral services will be at 10:30 am Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home with Pastor Phil Borleske officiating. Burial at Evergreen Cemetery, Vinton. Lyle Franklin Albert was born April 5, 1929 in Brandon, IA, to Ross and Pearl Tucker Albert. Lyle was raised in Brandon and graduated from Brandon High School. He started his mechanical career at Roths Implement, an International Harvester Dealership. For many years he operated the Phillips 66 and the Kerr McGee gas stations in Vinton. In 1950 he married Ila Jean Geiger and they were later divorced. In 1979 Lyle moved to Oelwein and worked for Case Power until his retirement in 1993. On November 21, 1980 he married Lei Loni Downs in Galena, IL. Lyle was proud of his membership in the Vinton Fire Department, as a reserve from 1967 to 1969 and as a full time fireman from 1970 to 1980. He was a member of the Vinton Eagles Club and served as president from 1979-1980. He was an avid outdoorsman. Lyle enjoyed fishing, hunting and traveling. He spent a lot of time in Jasper, TX, as a host in the local state parks. However, his greatest enjoyment came from fishing with his grandchildren and family. Lyle is survived by his wife, Lei Loni, Oelwein; his children, Debra (Larry) Christianson, Joyce (Roger) Calvert, all of Vinton and Mark (Michelle) Albert, Waterloo, IA; two stepsons, Jay (Anne) Usher, Cedar Falls, IA and Jim (Terri) Usher, Vergas, MN; five grandchildren, Jennifer (Jason) White, Jarron (Ashlyn) Christianson, all of Vinton, IA, Hillary (Scott) Smith, Marion, IA, Ross and Rachel Albert, Waterloo, IA; four step-grandchildren, Kelsey and Lucas Usher, Cedar Falls, IA, Kristen and Jamie Usher, Vergas, MN; five great grandchildren, Jillian, Jozee and Jeana White, Vinton, IA, Byron Christianson, Vinton, IA, Kylee Smith, Marion, IA; and one brother, Dean (Beverly) Albert, Brandon, IA. A memorial fund has been established. Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home is caring for Lyle and his family. Condolences may be left at www.vsrfh.com.