Lyle R. Harke

Lyle Harke, age 75, passed away Thursday, December 13, 2007 at Oakridge Gardens Nursing Center in Menasha. Lyle was born in Kimberly on February 24, 1932, son of the late Otto and Marie (Smits) Harke. Lyle was an outstanding high school athlete, excelling at football, basketball, baseball, and track. As an adult, Lyle spent a lot of time on basketball; he played on the Kimberly Recreation Association’s traveling team for many years, and also was known for officiating area basketball events. Many will also remember him as a Packer fan, a Chicago Cubs fan, and a pretty fine dancer as well. For over thirty years, Lyle was employed by Appleton Papers at the Appleton Mill, and was a member of the Quarter Century Club there.

Lyle was also currently the owner of the Just 1 More Bar on Valley Road in Menasha. He was a devoted family man who cared very much for his family, extended family, and many friends.

He is survived by his wife of 11 years: Diane Harke of Menasha; two children: Tom (Sue) Harke of Oneida and LeaAnn (Ed) Steenis of Appleton; five grandchildren: Jason Harke, Heather Harke and her fiancé Nick Schwartzbauer, Holly Harke, Thomas “Tommy” Harke, Jr., and James Steenis; one great-granddaughter: Ava Harke. There are also many survivors in Diane’s family. They include her children: Amy Malueg of Darboy and Andrea Liebhauser of Neenah; five step-grandchildren: Katie Liebhauser, Andrew Felzer, Abby Liebhauser, Ashley Lenz, and Courtney Malueg; two step-great-grandchildren: Patrick Juneau and Nathan Malueg, as well as many nieces and nephews. Lyle also has four brothers: Robert (Shirley) Harke of Kimberly, Allen (Phyllis) Harke of Appleton, James (Jean) Harke of Kimberly, and Glenn (Sharon) Harke of Anoka, Minnesota; and a sister-in-law: Bev Harke of Kimberly. Lyle was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Elwood.

Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday, December 17, 2007, from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM. At 5:00 PM Monday, Rev. Ronald Meier, of Trinity Lutheran Church in Menasha will conduct a service at the funeral home. Visitation will resume after the service. A memorial fund in Lyle’s name is being established.

The family would like to thank the caregivers from Oakridge Gardens as well as Heartland Hospice for the compassionate and caring way they handled all of us. Thank you so much; your kindness will never be forgotten

Lyle was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
Tri County Chapel
3212 S. Oneida Street
Appleton, WI 54915
920-831-9905