Lyle W. Engelhardt, Almena
Almena resident Lyle Wayne Engelhardt passed away Saturday, September 9, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loved ones. He was 79 years old.
He was born at the Norton County Hospital in Norton, Kansas on November 13, 1943 the son of William Augustus and Mabell Minerva (Barrett Engelhardt.
He attended Norton Community Schools and graduated from Norton Community High School with the class of 1962.
After graduation, Lyle worked at the Kansas Highway Transportation Department from 1962 through 1963, then at the state hospital in Norton from 1963 through 1966 in the supply department. From 1966 through 1967, he owned and operated Skelly Auto Electric. From 1967 through 1974 he was self employed with Kirby Company Norton. In 1974 through 1983 he was he owner and operator of his own vacuum cleaner store featuring sales and service of vacuums and also a truck mounted carpet cleaning service.
He was united in marriage to Krista G. Kellogg in May of 1966 and to this union a daughter was born, Samantha. The couple later divorced. Lyle than met and married Nancy R. Millspaugh Dishong on June 15, 1985 in Norton, Kansas. With this marriage he gained two daughters, Heather and Melanie.
In 1986 he and Nancy relocated to Colorado and he became the proprietor of Lyle’s General Repair. In that capacity he became the caretaker of rental units for three or four realtors. Lyle loved his customers and enjoyed his business.
One of the things that brought joy to his heart was taking the grandchildren camping and boating. He would teach them many things on these trips.
In 2015 he retired and moved back to Almena, Kansas where he enjoyed retirement life. He and Nancy were members of the Norton Christian Church. He enjoyed being at the church, many of the members were former classmates.
Those that preceded him in death were his parents, sister Helen Bryant and brother-in-law Lowell Bryant, a brother Howard Engelhardt and sister-in-law Philomena, sister Fleta Hanlon and brother-in-law Wayne Hanlon, a granddaughter Melena Richardson and a great-granddaughter Melayne LeGrande.
He was a loving and devoted partner to his wife, Nancy. He was a proud father to his daughters, Samantha C. Engelhardt of Almena, Heather R. Richardson and husband Billy of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Melanie D. Abeyta and husband Joe of Santa Monica, California. He also found great joy in being a grandfather to 15 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He was a cherished brother of Virginia McMillin, Delia, Kansas. His family was his pride and joy, and he will be deeply missed.
Cremation was planned. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
