Lyle Arthur Affeldt

The meeting was called to order at the family farm by Lyle Arthur Affeldt on October 23, 1936, with his parents Arthur “Art” and Emma (Fitzthum) Affeldt in attendance. Other members of the committee included his two sisters Bernice and Lois. Lyle was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wykoff. Lyle attended school at Wykoff Public Schools, graduating in 1954. During his high school years, Lyle played football and basketball.

Following his high school graduation, Lyle chose to serve his country by joining the Army. He was commissioned to Officer Training where they soon discovered Lyle was colorblind. He left the Army in 1957.

Lyle returned to the family farm to help on the farm. Mutual friends introduced Lyle to a young teacher from Spring Valley named Marilyn Lee Kinder. They fell in love and were married on April 18, 1962. They made their home in Wykoff and eventually moved to the family farm. Three board members would be added: Kerry, Krista and Kirk.

Lyle was a farmer. He milked cows, raised pigs, grew corn, oats and hay. A variety of pets lived on the farm: a sheep, a goat, a raccoon, and St. Bernards, Buddy and Duffy. Lyle was incredibly proud to farm on the farm his father farmed on. He took great pride in his lawn as well as his farm. The Affeldt Farm was recognized as a Century Farm in 2015.

Lyle served his community by serving on several boards. He was chairman of the Wykoff Public School Board for over 25 years. He spent many, many hours negotiating contracts, hiring superintendents and principals, and helping run the school district. He was very proud of being a part of the history of the Wykoff School District.

Lyle also served as the treasurer of the Fillmore Township Board, a position his own father held when Lyle was young. Lyle held this position up until his death. He spent many hours calculating and balancing budgets, checkbooks and various accounts for the Fillmore Township. He took great pride in the work he did.

Other committees or boards Lyle served on included being an election judge and holding various positions at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Wykoff including council member, call committee, and treasurer. Lyle was the sole remaining member of the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery Association.

Lyle was a quiet man who listened intently, thought for a while, then offered advice. His advice and insight was sought by many throughout the years.

Lyle gave of his time by donating blood to the Red Cross. He challenged his grandchildren to try and beat his nearly 20-gallon donation that he achieved through the years.

Other hobbies included fishing up north, traveling, putting together complicated models of warships and planes during the long winter months, studying WWII history, watching westerns, and collecting John Wayne movies, toy tractors and IH implements, and attending historical tractor events. He enjoyed going for drives around the countryside, watching the activity in the neighborhood, and playing practical jokes on unexpecting people. He would read the obituaries, especially the “unusual” ones. I hope this meets your approval, Dad!

Lyle retired from farming in 1995. After his retirement, he worked at IBM, the Fillmore County Assessor’s Office, SEMA, the Forestville State Park and Mystery Cave where he did what he loved to do most- MOW the lawns! He took great care and pride in his lawns.

The final meeting was adjourned on May 23, 2020, at 7:15 a.m. at Seasons’ Hospice in Rochester where he had been for a day. He always was on “Affeldt” time, which meant different things depending on his agenda. He is loved and missed by Kirk (Stephanie) Affeldt of Rochester, Krista Affeldt (Dan McGowan) also of Rochester, grandchildren Morgan and Connor Schiebsted of Stewartville, Lydia, Sydney and Kameron Bacon of Rochester; his sister Lois (Doug) Emerson of Faribault, nephew David (Bev) Emerson of Kenyon, niece Jane (Steve) Nesseth of Faribault;, and nephew Tim (Janet) Emerson of Cologne, Minn.. He is preceded in death by his wife Marilyn; his daughter Kerry, sister Bernice and her husband Mark, as well as his parents, Art and Emma Affeldt.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Historic Forestville, Good Earth Village, or the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery Association in Lyle’s honor.

The family wishes to thank everyone at Seasons Hospice, Rochester Rehabilitation Center at The Homestead of Rochester, especially the rehabilitation team in the OT and PT department and a special thank you to Marlys for being there when we couldn’t.

Due to the Covid-19 restrictions masks are recommended; a rolling visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m., Thursday, May 28, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wykoff, Minn.  Private family services will be held Friday, May 29, 2020, at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Burial will be in Our Savior’s Lutheran Cemetery.

Condolences may be left at Hindtfuneralhomes.com.