Lyle Nestingen

Lyle E. Nestingen passed away Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at age 88. He was born the youngest of five sons in Sparta on May 28, 1923 to the late Eddie A. and Lena Nestingen. Lyle entered the Army Air National Guard in September of 1942 and proudly served as a pilot during WWII. He was awarded the European and American Theatre Ribbons, Air Medal, 2 Battle Stars, and the Distinguished Flying Cross. After WWII he continued as a pilot in the Air Force Reserve, finishing his career in 1967 with the rank Lt. Colonel. He was united in marriage to Lois Zellmer on May 24, 1952 in Sparta. Together they lovingly raised three children, Linda, Lee and Lynn.

Lyle graduated in 1946 with a Bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He worked for the State of Wisconsin as a Professional Engineer for 30 years. He also worked as a Real Estate appraiser for 15 years. He was former President of the Madison Chapter 73 Society of Real Estate Appraisers and was awarded Senior Real Estate Property Appraiser from Society of Real Estate Appraisers. He designed a number of buildings including state buildings as well as family homes. Lyle lived life to its fullest; he was humble and had a great sense of humor. He was a pilot, recreational woodworker, avid cribbage and bridge player, including duplicate bridge. For many years he and Lois enjoyed couples' bridge with friends. Lyle achieved a Life Master of Bridge earning bronze, silver and gold. He loved dancing with Lois, the outdoors and fly fishing.

Family was most important to Lyle. He and his brothers, Edward, Stanley, John, and Ivan were very close. Holidays were spent with the brothers along with their families which brought the family close as a whole.

Lyle will be dearly missed. Survivors include: his loving wife of 59 years, Lois; children, Linda (Russell), Lee (Jane), and Lynn; grandchildren, Rhonda (James), and Rachel (fianc� Nolan); great-grandchildren, Kelly and Matthew; sister-in-law, Jan Nestingen. He is further survived by special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and four brothers, Edward, Stanley, John, and Ivan.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. in the Resurrection Chapel of Oakwood Village West, 6225 Mineral Point Road Madison with the Rev. Gary Holmes officiating. Lyle's family will greet friends beginning at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial with Military Honors will follow the service at Sunset Memory Gardens.

Please be advised, as you enter Oakwood Village from Mineral Point Rd. please bear left for visitor parking.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or the American Heart Association.