Lyle was inducted into the U.S. Navy in 1951. He trained as a drill instructor in San Diego, California. Lyle was discharged in 1952 with the rank of HSSR.
Lyle's family wishes to thank you for your many kindnesses over the years and invites you to join them for lunch and fellowship at church following the service.
Lyle Henry, son of Henry and Louisa (Lohmeier) Joens, was born February 11, 1930, in Manning, Carroll County, Iowa. Lyle started country school near Botna where his parents farmed. Later the family moved to the Westside area where Lyle continued in country school graduating from the 8th grade. He then attended high school in Westside graduating with the Class of 1947. In 1951 Lyle enlisted in the United States Navy and served during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged in 1952.
On November 15, 1952, Lyle was united in marriage with Judy Gehlsen at Westside by Rev. E.G. Otte. They made their home in Manning and two sons, Brian and Brad, were born to this union. Lyle was a route salesman for Manning Creamery for two years before moving up the ladder to a supervisor position for ten years. He then worked for Blue Bunny Creamery as a salesman for ten years. After that he worked for Stein Service for eight years before working at the Manning Manilla Golf Course for four years. In 1994 Lyle retired. He and Judy accompanied the UNI Men’s Chorus (of which Brian was a member) on a trip to Germany and Austria. They made numerous trips to Oregon, California, Texas, Arizona, and Colorado to see their children and grandchildren.
During his young years on the farm, Lyle always had a horse to ride. In the winter he enjoyed ice skating on the creek. He enjoyed reading and watching TV in his later years. Lyle was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, where he served as Trustee and Elder. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 22 and the Masons, Manual Lodge #450. Lyle’s health started to decline a number of years ago; however he was able to remain in his home with the care of his wife. After a fall in his yard on April 17, 2010, Lyle was hospitalized at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. After many ups and downs, he died there on Tuesday, May 25, 2010, at the age of 80 years, 3 months and 14 days.
Lyle is preceded in death by his parents Henry and Louisa Joens; parents-in-law Peter and Pauline (Jahn) Gehlsen and sister-in-law Bonnie Joens.
Lyle is survived by his wife Judy Joens of Manning; son Brian Joens and his wife Charlene
of Des Moines; son Brad Joens and his wife D’Lane of Kersey, CO; two grandsons Dillon and Parker Joens
of Kersey, CO; step-granddaughter Libby and her husband Peter Leo of Des
Moines; brother Roland Joens of Washington State; aunt Arlene Musfeldt of
Manning; sisters-in-law Blondina Stoffers of Carroll and Sandy Hanson of Manilla; brothers-in-law Ralph Gehlsen of
Manning Plaza and Reynold Gehlsen and wife Rose Ann of Denison; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Neighbors
In Memory of Lyle H. Joens
Our lives drift by in ordinary days -
Work weariness a daily stair to climb,
But neighbors make life sing in special-ways
When worry is the order of the time.
Congenial conversation in the yard
Of politics, of hummingbirds, or rain,
Shared confidences kept in good regard
And sunny chuckles gifts to entertain.
Our partners when it seems all hope is gone,
With sympathetic acts sincere and true,
Their giving hands fend strength to carry on
To help each other see the challenge through.
Then ordinary days become so dear
With angel neighbors given to us here.
Lori Shannon, May 2010