Lyle Wayne Klein, 82 of Ely, MN, a proud U.S. veteran, passed away on Nov. 15, 2022, in his home, surrounded by his family.
Lyle was born on Sept. 11, 1940, in Tracy, to Florence and David Klein. He grew up on the family farm and attended school in Tracy where he participated in football, basketball and band. He won the Arion Award for outstanding musical, was co-captain of the football team and president of his senior class of 1958. Lyle was always very grateful to his high school band director, Jerry Rood, for his mentoring, which guided him to career in music eduction.
Lyle attended college at the MacPhail College of Music in Minneapolis where he was president of the Phi Mu Alpha music fraternity, as well as Student Association president. After graduation with a bachelors degree in music, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he taught music theory at the Naval School of Music and was a tuba player in the U.S. Navy Band. After 5 1/2 years in the Navy, he taught instrumental music at Appleton Public Schools for three years.
Lyle then moved to Ely in 1970 and taught instrumental music there for 29 years, retiring in 1999
He was very active in the church, serving as choir director for 20 years. Lyle, through NLAA, brought back the City Band, which had been disbanded since the 1960s. Lyle believed in the importance of music, both to the developing of minds of children and for adult fulfillment, and did everything he could to involve as many as possible in some form of music. He touched many lives through his love of music.
His family was his greatest joy in life. He shared his love of the outdoors with his children through fishing, camping and boating. You would find him at every sporting event and performance, never missing a single one.
Lyle is survived by his wife Mary of 46 years, his children Kurt Klein of Brainerd, Kelli Thorne (Michael) of Proctor, Jenna Keller (Charlie) of Stillwater, and Becca Green (Jordan) of Fargo, ND; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Melvin Klein of Tracy, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, four bothers and two sisters.
The funeral service was held at Grace Lutheran Church in Ely on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022, will full military honors.