Lyle J. Kurth
June 21, 1933 – Oct. 16, 2025

As Lyle J. Kurth entered the family of faith in his baptism July 16, 1933, so he entered his glorious heavenly home Oct. 16, 2025.

Lyle was born June 21, 1933, in Carroll, Iowa, to John and Anna Kurth. He was the youngest of three children, with an older sister Marie (Wilbur) Woock, and brother Emil (Pearl) Kurth.

He married his beloved wife, Phyllis, on June 27, 1954, at Cross Lutheran Church in Omaha, Neb. Their union was blessed with three daughters: Lee (Doug) Wagner, Barb (Jerry) Heimsoth, and Kay (Randy) Ronning.

Lyle and Phyllis have seven grandchildren - Kelsey (Andrew) Schlund, Nathan Wagner, John Heimsoth, Kristy (Ben) Farwell, Emily (Jim) Kosmack, Hannah (Joshua) Obermann, and Andrew (Kirsten) Ronning; and great-grandchildren Charlotte and Margaret Schlund; Mila Farwell; Annie, Calvin, and Jolene Kosmack; Rhett and Poppy Obermann; and a great-grandchild to be, Ronning. He cherished spending time with his family, whether on vacation, sharing memories, or playing cards.

Lyle received a bachelor of arts degree from Concordia Teacher’s College in Seward, Neb., and earned a master of arts degree and Ed.D. from Northern Illinois University.

Lyle faithfully served his Lord and church as an instructor and administrator at Trinity Lutheran in Faribault, Minn., St. Paul Lutheran in Williamsburg, Iowa, Zion Lutheran in Marengo, Ill., Good Shepherd Lutheran in Elgin, Ill. and Concordia University in River Forest, Ill. In addition to teaching, he served as an organist, choir director (youth, adult, and women’s), Walther League director and principal.

At Concordia University, he taught introductory and graduate courses in education. He also served as the director of elementary student teachers and director of the Director of Christian Education (DCE) program. He found great joy through the years in visiting with former students and colleagues.

A goal Lyle set for each day was to make someone smile – even better if they would laugh.

Lyle was always amazed at how blessed he was with an abundance of friends throughout his life who offered to help him in many ways. He felt truly blessed for the joy of living with Phyllis for the past 11 years at Breeze Park. He loved visiting with all the residents and staff, who together were more than just a community, but a loving, caring family.

Memorial visitation and funeral service were held Nov. 8, 2025 at EverTrue Breeze Park Chapel in Saint Charles, Mo.

Memorials may be made to the George and Ruth Steil Endowment Fund for the training of church workers at Concordia University, Seward, Neb.