Lyle L. Heide, age 97, a resident of Manitowoc, passed away on Sunday, June 18, 2023 at Rivers Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center in Manitowoc.

Lyle was born on April 6, 1926 in Manitowoc.  He was the son of the late Harold and Leila Herzog Heide.  Lyle was a graduate of Lincoln High School with the class of 1944 and shortly thereafter he was drafted into the United States Army during World War II serving on active duty until late 1946.  Following his honorable service discharge, Lyle enrolled under the G.I. Bill of Rights at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and later transferred to Ripon College, Ripon, WI.  His attendance there was interrupted by his recall to active duty in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.  Discharged from active duty at the end of those hostilities, he resumed his college work graduating in 1955.  Following additional study at the University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate program, Lyle accepted employment as a Field Director with the American National Red Cross in its services to the Armed Forces Branch.  In his capacity as Field Director, Lyle traveled extensively throughout the world with his last overseas assignment being the Red Cross Representative in Qui Nohn, Vietnam during the conflict in that country.  Following a transfer into the Domestic Chapter Service, he served with the Detroit, Michigan Red Cross where he remained until he was offered the position of the Executive Director for the Manitowoc County Red Cross.  Lyle remained active in that role until he retired in 1983.

Lyle was a Life Member of the Disabled American Veterans, also member of the American Legion Drews Bleser Post #88, Veterans of Foreign Wars Otto-Oas Post #659, and the AMVETS Post #99.  Lyle also held memberships in the Elks Club, the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #706, along with other civic and community organizations.  He remained active as an avid hiker and outdoor enthusiast until his death.

He is survived by nephews including John, Bruce and Steven Heide, Brett, Lance, and Robert Heide, and Linden Smith.  Also surviving is one niece, Gaylene Raether.  Holding a very special place in his heart were his god children, Linden Smith, Gaylene Raether, and his great great niece Jennifer Rager.  Lyle's great great nephews, Nicholas and Nathan Rager were also very dear to him.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Leila Heide, two sisters, Lois (Nathaniel) Smith and Marion (Roy) Raether, two brothers, Harold (Dickie) Heide and Glenn (Mary Agnes) Heide, and two nieces, Aprill Huebner and Rayanne Corbeil and one nephew, Flint Heide..

Graveside services will be held for relatives and friends on Monday, June 26, 2023 at 1 p.m. at Evergreen Cemetery in Manitowoc.  Pator Joe Guglielmo will be officiating.  Military honors will be accorded by the American Legion Drews Bleser Post #88.  Family at friends will meet at the front entrance of Evergreen Cemetery on North 18th Street at 12:50 p.m. and go in procession to the gravesite.  Cremation has taken place at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel.

Memorials can be made in Lyle's memory to the Manitowoc County Chapter of the American Red Cross  or to the charity or organization of the donor's choice.  Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.