Watch Lyle's Tribute Video Here

Funeral Services for Lyle “Pete” Schleusener, age 90 of O’Neill, NE, will be 11:00 AM Monday, December 12, 2022, at the Faith Community Church in O’Neill. Burial will follow at 2:00 PM at the Orchard Hill Cemetery in Orchard, NE with Military Honors provided by the Orchard American Legion Post #136. Visitation will be Sunday, December 11, 2022 from 4 to 6 PM at Biglin’s Mortuary in O’Neill with a Prayer Service at 6 PM. Lyle passed away on Sunday, December 4, 2022 at Avera St. Anthony’s Hospital in O’Neill. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Biglin’s Mortuary in O’Neill is in charge of arrangements. 

Lyle Leroy Schleusener was born on March 23, 1932 to John and Eleanor (Leimer) Schleusener in Orchard, NE. He attended Orchard High School, graduating in 1949. Lyle owned and operated Gordon Drayton Elevator Company, buying and selling grain and feed. Lyle joined the United States Navy, serving from 1952-1956. He was honorably discharged on April 20, 1956.

On December 22, 1956, Lyle married Margaret Jane Drayton in Orchard, NE. To this union, 3 children were born: Shari, Robin, and Julie.

The couple made their home in Orchard for the next 63 years. Lyle continued to work at Gordon Drayton Elevator Company until his retirement in 1994. In 2019, the couple moved to O’Neill, NE.

Lyle found much enjoyment in restoring 1950’s Oldsmobiles and collecting old coins. He was an avid baseball fan – taking a strong liking to the Chicago Cubs. Lyle was a proud member of the American Legion.

Lyle is survived by his wife of nearly 66 years, Margaret Jane of O’Neill; 3 daughters, Shari (Greg) Mattern of Sioux Falls, SD, Robin (Mike) Stevens of Lincoln, NE, and Julie (Gary) Beecroft of Siren, WI; 5 grandchildren, Joshua (Stacie) Mattern, Christopher (Jamie) Mattern, Melanie (Ryan) Van Tol, Angie Stevens (Nick Mortenson), and Amy (Blaine) Martin; 14 great grandchildren; brother, Merle (Kay) Schleusener of Bettendorf, IA; and many nieces and nephews.

Lyle is preceded by his parents, John and Eleanor Schleusener; 3 sisters, Marie Schleusener, Dorothy Schleusener, and Velma (Joe) Sivesind; 2 brothers, Curt (Janice) Schleusener, and Stuart (Bonna Jane) Schleusener.