Johnston, Lyle E.

Lyle E. Johnston, 77, passed away Jan. 18, 2012, at St. Luke's Hospital, Cedar Rapids. No services are planned at this time. Per Lyle's wishes, his body has been cremated. Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home in Cedar Rapids is assisting the family with arrangements.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley, of 55 years; three children, LeAnn (Tom) Kadlec of Wheaton, Ill., Susan (Ed) Slattery of Swisher and Jolene (Scott) Schroeder of Roscoe, Ill.; grandchildren, Carly and Chase Kadlec, Christine, Bridget and Michael Slattery, and Madison and Jordan Schroeder; plus his sister, Janice Kunc of Kimberling City, Mo.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Hazel Johnston.

Lyle Eugene Johnston was born Oct. 17, 1934, in Grinnell, Iowa, the son of Floyd and Hazel (Parks) Johnston. He married Shirley Turbett on June 9, 1956, in Waterloo. Lyle was a veteran of the United States Navy Reserves. Lyle attended a one-room school in Haven community and graduated from Tama High School in 1952. Lyle was engaged in farming with his father on a family farm near Chelsea. In 1961, he moved his family to Cedar Rapids and began working as a carpenter. In 1964, he joined Wilson Foods as a driver and worked until the plant (then Farmstead) closed in 1990. He later drove semis over-the-road for several different companies until his retirement.

Lyle was a member of Marion American Legion Post 298. He enjoyed spending time with his family, of whom he was very proud.

The family wishes to thank the Hiawatha Fire-Rescue responders and St. Luke's Hospital doctors and staff for their outstanding care.

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Published in The Gazette Jan. 22, 2012