Lyle W Erlewine

Lyle William Erlewine passed away December 20, 2021 at Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Platte, NE.

Lyle was born March 4, 1939 at Madrid, NE to Evelyn (Tickle) and Charles E. Erlewine. He graduated from Madrid High School in 1957.

On November 21, 1957 he married Jasinta Clara Garcia at Ogallala, NE and shortly after that, enlisted in the United States Air Force serving until 1963. At that time, the young family returned to Nebraska. In 1964 Lyle went to work for Consumer Public Power, which eventually became Nebraska Public Power District. Lyle began his career as a meter reader and retired as a line foreman. In his time with NPPD he also served as sight liaison during the construction of the hydro plant at Kingsley Dam. During these years, Lyle and Clara raised their four daughters and Lyle built Erlewine Trailer Court. The young couple worked long hours to plant every yard, lay every yard of concrete and eventually create one of the most well cared for and sought out communities in which to live. His life was exemplified by hard work, dedication to his family and ingenuity. If he couldn't find it or buy it, he just built it, and he never bought or replaced something he could fix. This ranged from an innovative hinged body cast for his own infant, to drain fields and septic systems for his Court. Not to mention an in-ground swimming pool and a myriad of other "toys" for his girls, the lights of his life. He often remarked that Four Queens was a great hand in any man's game. His greatest love in life, besides Clara, was seeing his family around him enjoying the fruits of his labor. Lyle was also active in the Jaycee's and served a term as president.

He was a man quick to lend a hand in service to others and believed, and taught, that almost anything could be accomplished if you put your mind and your back into it. Lyle was an avid fan of verbal sparring and was often a participant in lively debates during the heyday of the live radio show Midwest Opinions when before today's internet anonymity, a man had to own and be able to defend his opinion. As teenagers, this sometimes caused a bit of discomfort for his daughters, but it was a great lesson in courage and standing up for themselves and others.

Eventually, Lyle's eye turned to motorcycles and he and his brother-in-law opened Barnes Motors in the mid-1970s. Although the business partnership ended, his love of motorcycles did not, and the couple spent many years traveling the country on their bike with his sister T.J. and her husband Bill, including a second trip up Pikes Peak on the bike (the first being in a 1960 Volkswagen van with three small children). Upon retirement, they built their dream home at Yacht Club Estates and Lyle sold the last motorcycle to buy a jet ski and a boat, "so the grandkids could enjoy it," and that they did, spending countless weekends enjoying Lake McConaughy. No motorcycle did not mean no traveling. Lyle and Clara purchased a fifth-wheel camper and spent many years traveling with friends and family. They visited many states and wintered for many years in St. David, Arizona, at the Holy Trinity Monastery. The only monastery with a campground in the country. This provided them with a unique ability to worship, work, and travel, and they developed many lasting friendships at Holy Trinity.

Lyle W. Erlewine is survived by his wife of 64 years, J. Clara Erlewine, Ogallala, NE; four daughters; Diane (James) Adkins, Deon Hoffman, Ogallala; Quenna (Russell) Koch, Denton, NE, and Beth (Timothy) Wilson, Omaha, NE.; eleven grandchildren, Melissa Elmblad, Kerri (Trevor) Foulk, Brett Adkins, Grace Hoffman, Emily (Michael) Hough, Ian (Meridith) Koch, Savannah Koch, Mariah Koch, Claire (Riley) Baasch, Jake Wilson, Trevor Wilson; two great-granddaughters, Raegan Elmblad and Thea Goodrich; as well as bonus great-grandchildren, Maverick, Paisley and Maisie Hough; brothers-in-law, William H. Barnes, John Lee, Raymond (Toni) Garcia, Nestor (Louisa) Garcia, Frank Garcia, Joe (Sherri) Garcia, John (Kathleen) Garcia; sisters-in-law, Angie (Bob) Conde, Mercedes Wymer and numerous nieces and nephews as well as great-nieces and nephews.

Lyle was preceded in death by his son, Tracy Charles Erlewine; his parents; his sisters, Thelma J. Barnes and Erna Rae Lee; brother-in-law, Maximo Garcia; nephew, Doug Lee and other relatives.

A memorial has been established in Lyle's memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the service will be streamed live.

Funeral Mass will be on Monday, December 27, 2021 at 10:00 am at St. Luke's Catholic Church in Ogallala with Fr. Bryan Ernest as Celebrant. Interment with military honors will be in the Ogallala Cemetery.

Rosary will be Sunday, December 26, 2021 at 5:00 pm at St. Luke's Catholic Church. No visitation is planned.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.