Lyle Buller was born on 09/30/1920, the youngest of Henry and Anne (Schaeffer) Buller’s 14 children. He passed away at age 96 on October 27, 2016 at Morningside Heights Care Center, in Marshall. Lyle was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Audrey, his son John, and his 13 brothers and sisters. He is survived by his beloved daughter, Carole, along with nieces, nephews and friends who blessed Lyle with their kindness throughout his lifetime.
Lyle grew up on the family farm in Hendricks, MN. He lived through the Great Depression, learning the importance of faith, family and hard work at an early age. Lyle loved hunting, studying geography, and participating in 4-H during his youth. He excelled as a member of the boys’ basketball team at Hendricks High School, and went on to graduate from St. Olaf College, with a degree in Business Administration.
Lyle enlisted in the military at age 21. He served as an Aerial Navigator on B-17 Flying Fortress and B-25 flight crews during WWII, and maintained his pilot’s license for a period of time after the war. Upon completion of his military service, Lyle landed a position with the Federal Land Bank Association, where he devoted himself to serving family farmers for over 35 years. He retired as President of the Marshall Area office in 1985.
Lyle was quick to smile when remembering the events of April 1, 1947, when he and Audrey first met. They would go on to spend the next 61 years at one another’s side, becoming a wonderful team, together. Lyle and Audrey enjoyed coffee breaks, pastries and car rides. They created a happy and loving home for their children, John and Carole. They shared the joys and sorrows of a lifetime, enduring the heart breaking loss of 9 year-old son John to leukemia. They drew upon their faith to carry on, and shared in Carole’s life with great joy. They were wonderful parents and best friends.
Lyle always was most comfortable with work to be done, yet he came to appreciate the benefits of retirement. He loved watching MN Vikings football, hunting for sea shells on Sanibel Island, and, golfing with Carole. He loved to make people laugh, and was a gracious host. God blessed Lyle with a long life, and Lyle made the most of it.
Special thanks to Dr. Joe Willett, as well as to the staff at Morningside Heights, each of whom became like extended members of Lyle’s family. Lyle was able to live out his years with dignity, taken care of with tender compassion and surrounded by love.
Carole will forever carry her father’s memory in her heart. She will remember his sense of humor, his tender heart, his generosity and the spark with which he lived his life. Carole always was certain that her dad loved her, and that was his best gift of all.
