Lyle Wells, 85, of Artesian, passed away on Wednesday, July 20, 2016, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.
Funeral services were Monday, July 25, at Willoughby Funeral Home in Howard with Rev. Bill Carpenter officiating. Burial was in Eventide Cemetery at Woonsocket. Visitation was Sunday, July 24, at the funeral home with family present from 5-7 p.m.
Lyle Evertt Wells was born Sept. 27, 1930, in Woonsocket to Charles and Clairabel (White) Wells. He graduated from Woonsocket High School.
He was united in marriage to Carol Maurice on Sept. 29, 1950, in Aberdeen, and they lived in Isabel, where Lyle worked as a lineman for the REA. Soon after, Lyle took a ranch hand job with the Davis Ranch in Forestburg, where he and Carol began their family. They eventually settled on a farm outside of Artesian, where Lyle resided until his passing.
He was a devoted family man who knew the true meaning of hard work. When he was not checking cows or working in the field, Lyle was traveling to birthday parties, sporting events, weddings, baptisms and other family gatherings.
Lyle is survived by five daughters, Sandra Forthman of Canistota, Susan (Dick) Meister of Canton, Vickie (DeLee) Knudson of Centerville, Diane Wells of Mitchell, and Connie Talaga of Mitchell; two sons, Marvin (Teri) Wells of Marion and Jim (Gina) Wells of Wake Forest, N.C.; 18 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; a brother, Wally (Cheryl) Wells of Belvidere; two sisters, Bonnie (Roland) McKenny-Dant of Forest Lake, Minn., and Betty (Tom) Wolterman of St. Cloud, Minn.; and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Carol in 2010; and three sisters, Rita, Esther and Darlene.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.willoughbyfh.com