Lyle Schei

Lyle H. Schei, age 85 of Avon, died Monday, October 26, 2015 surrounded by his family at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, October 30 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Albany with Pastor Steven Olson officiating. Interment will be in Our Savior's Lutheran Cemetery in Albany with military honors by the Albany American Legion.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday and from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the church in Albany.

Lyle Harold Schei was born September 30, 1930 in Carbury, North Dakota to Nels and Martha (Mastvelten) Schei. Lyle graduated from the ND School of Forestry Jr. College in Bottineau, ND in 1950. He went on to attend Aakers Business College in Grand Forks, ND and graduated in 1952 before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. Lyle served during the Korean Conflict through January 1956. After receiving an honorable discharge, Lyle returned to the University of Grand Forks, and was awarded a scholarship to attend an International Summer School in Oslo, Norway. He finished college, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Dakota and a Bachelor of Science degree at Saint Cloud University in 1962.

Lyle was united in marriage to Katharine M. Schei (Esterby) at First Lutheran Church in Minot, ND in 1961. The couple lived in Lake Park, MN from 1962-1969 where Lyle taught Jr. and Sr. High Science. Later the family moved to Avon, MN where Lyle taught Science at the Jr. High level for three years.

Lyle left teaching and began working at Frigidaire in St. Cloud where he remained until he retired in 1996. In his retirement years, Lyle enjoyed his yard and bird watching. Lyle always made sure they all had food in their feeders when they came to visit.

Lyle was a Boy Scout Leader; he enjoyed the outdoor camping trips with the scouts. He has been a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Albany, MN since 1969 where he served on the church council and attended Bible studies. Lyle celebrated his Norwegian heritage as a member of the Sons of Norway Trollheim Lodge in St. Cloud, MN.

Lyle is survived by his wife of 54 years, Kathy Schei of Avon; sons, John (Lori) Schei of St. Cloud, Peter Schei of Avon, and James Schei of St. Cloud; grandchildren, Alyssa, Justin, and Bryan all of St. Cloud; sisters-in-law, Carol Clemetson of Saratoga, WY, Gail Neukom of Jamestown, ND, and Gloria (Richard) Rakness of Saratoga, WY; brother-in-law, Robert Esterby of Minot, ND; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Lyle was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Verdine Schei.

Casket bearers will be Richard Rakness, Steven Rakness, Mark Neukom, Marlo Nelson, Leo Heck, and Joel Klein.