Orono - 92, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2024, leaving behind a life defined by hard work, curiosity, and joy. Lyle was born on a dairy farm in Rosemount, Minnesota on September 19th, 1932.

As a boy, Lyle did chores before school, tended to the family's large home garden, washed Green Giant Peas during harvest nights, helped store potatoes in the root cellar, and buried carrots in the sand to last the winter.

After high school, Lyle worked on the family farm for two years before serving in the military during the Korean War era.

In 1955, Lyle married Joan (Haley) and together they raised three sons—Steven, Chris, and David.

Lyle pursued a career that blended his natural mechanical ability with his love of teaching. He taught electronics at St. Louis Park High School for nine years and earned his master's degree at the University Of Minnesota. Lyle made some incredible friends during this time period. Lyle, Joan, and the three boys enjoyed snowmobiling and boating with this group of friends and their families for decades.

The family enjoyed years at Grays Bay Marina in the late 60's and early 70's, where life felt like a permanent summer vacation.

(Remember, The Best Three Things About Being A Teacher Are "June, July, And August")

In 1970, he joined Hennepin Technical Centers where he devoted many years as an administrator, and eventually, Superintendent.

("Big Lyle" Was Larger Than Life As A Big Shot At HTC)

The Rahn family lived on Quebec Avenue South in St Louis Park and Cedarwood Ridge in Minnetonka from 1965 to 1975, then on Wildhurst Trail in Orono on Lake Minnetonka.

In his free time Lyle enjoyed refinishing/restoring his 1960 Chris-Craft 36' Boat and his collection of tractors.

Lyle and Joan traveled to Mexico for short vacations and also spent four-month stretches in San Diego, enjoying the warmth of the coast in their motor home.

In 2003, Lyle & Joan moved off lake Minnetonka and retired to Arizona.

Lyle loved the friendly community where he lived in Arizona. He stayed active, using his motorized mobility scooter for appointments and getting groceries. He also very much enjoyed sitting at Table 14 each night with his friends at Grandview Terrace Condominiums From 2017-2024. He remained independent, making his own breakfast and enjoying the familiar routines of a life well lived.

Lyle is survived by his children, Steven, Chris (Vicki), David (Jodi); Sister, Clarice Boettcher; Seven Grandchildren; Eleven Great-Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan; brother Larry; Granddaughter, Jaime.

Lyle will be remembered for his industrious spirit and his straightforward attitude. He is dearly missed.

A Memorial page has been created in the Veterans Legacy Memorial For Lyle Edwin Rahn (vlm.cem.va.gov)