EARLVILLE - Richard “Lyle” Wald, 90, of Earlville passed away Feb. 6, 2019 at Willow Crest Nursing Pavilion in Sandwich.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 14 at the Rollo Congregational United Church of Christ, 2471 Weddell St., rural Earlville with Rev. David Marquardt officiating. Burial will follow at Stevens Cemetery, rural Earlville. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until time of service on Feb. 14 at the church. Arrangements were handled by Hanley-Turner-Eighner Funeral Home in Earlville.

Lyle was born March 11, 1928 in Sycamore to Richard and Sophia (Peterson) Wald. He married the love of his life, Marion J. Grandgeorge, on Sept. 24, 1960 at the United Presbyterian Church in Somonauk. She preceded him in death.

Survivors include four sons, Bryan Wald of Earlville, Bradley (Sherif Tawfik) Wald of Portland, Ore., Ronald Wald of Earlville and Randall (Jackie Mascenic) Wald of Sycamore; two sisters-in-law, Lucille Mickey of Garden Prairie and Evelyn (Jack) Smith of Sandwich; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife; two sisters, Dorothy Fierro and Gladys Holtman; and two brothers, Mervin Hetland and Alvin Hetland.

Lyle was an active member of the Rollo Congregational United church of Christ in rural Earlville since 1937. He was involved in various church organizations and boards including roles as a trustee and deacon. He was also involved in the Earlville Lion’s Club and Jaycee’s.He graduated from Rollo High School in 1945. Working alongside his father, Lyle became a grain and livestock farmer and he farmed in the Earlville/Rollo area for more than 50 years. He was a loving and supporting husband who adored his wife, Marion, who preceded him in death by only 26 days. These soulmates lived together for 58 years and left this world together. While Marion worked in the evening as a nurse, Lyle took care of their boys – his pride and joy. His family was his life and he was a supportive and devoted father, always putting their interests first. Remembered by his sons for the great meals he would prepare when taking care of them – especially his burgers, steak dinners and signature chili (and from time to time TV dinners!). In addition to his boys, Lyle was very close to his brothers and sisters and enjoyed his extended family of nieces and nephews on both his and Marion’s side.

Lyle introduced his boys to aspects of farming, working in the fields and raising sheep and cattle, instilling all that he had learned. He loved gardening and would “over-grow,” sharing the bounty of zucchini, tomatoes and green beans to those in need and neighbors in the area. He was a conversationalist. He loved people and they loved him. He was a gentle and sweet man who cared very much for his family, his community, his friends and his church. Lyle was especially bonded with his very good friend Harold Svendsen (and wife Judy), who was a groomsman in his wedding. They remained lifelong friends and Harold often visited with him at home and in the nursing home.

Lyle loved baseball and was a passionate Cubs fan - and finally got to see them win the World Series in 2016! He had a passion for food and trying new things. He enjoyed a beer with friends, bowling, playing cards, and traveling - mainly to the West coast with the family to see his sister, Dorothy or son, Brad – and even overseas to Holland and Paris once to visit Brad.

In later years when Marion was less able, Lyle stepped up and took care of her, kindly preparing her meals and helping her around the house. He was selfless, humble, kind, and a friendly soul who will be missed greatly by his family.

Memorials may be directed the family to be divided amongst Lyle’s favorite charities.

For more information or to sign the online guest book, go to www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com.