Lyle Wignes

Lyle H. Wignes, age 74, of Backus, MN, passed away peacefully at home on Monday May 16, 2016, following a long and valiant battle with cancer. Born on June 5, 1941, in Northwood, Iowa, he was the youngest son of Arthur J and E. Ruth (Cawelti) Wignes. He graduated from Northwood High School and attended Minnesota State College at Mankato, earning a bachelors in English, and a Master's in education. In August of 1962 he married his wife of 53 years Beverly (nee Loberg). After three years teaching in Corwith, Iowa, they moved to Forest City, Iowa, where he embarked on a 33 year career as an educator, first as a high school English teacher and then as the first Media Director. During his tenure he helped design the Instructional Media Center for a new high school, created the FCCS video production services, coauthored a grant that launched the student run cable access station FCTV, installed the first computer lab, developed an in-house repair services for A/V equipment, and provided the largest public automated research library in the area. He retired in 1998, enjoying both lake time and Forest City time. In 2004 they moved to the lake year round.

Lyle gave generously of his time to many organizations. He served as an advisory board member of the North Iowa Special Olympics, president of the Winnebago Historical Society, president of Countryside Co-op in Hackensack, council member for St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Hackensack, and was involved in the development of Heritage Park of North Iowa. His hobbies included photography, woodworking, gardening, fishing and model building. He was a certified Master Gardener and Shoreland Specialist. He played piano by ear, loved any history that related to Custer or the Indian Wars, collected cameras, made ferocious chili, loved dogs, employed a sharp wit and was a devoted Bumpa to his grandchildren.

Lyle is survived by his wife, Bev; daughter, Lynette (Tad) Dunsworth; son, Greg Wignes; brothers: Loren (Gladys), Jim (Joann), Russell (Maxine); grandchildren: Maleesa, Dyllon and Talori Dunsworth; special nephew, Steve (Betty) Wignes; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Stan (Donna), a sister, Jean (Bud) Noe, and two infant siblings.

A memorial service will be held Saturday May 21st at 11:00 am at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hackensack, MN. Visitation one hour prior and light lunch to follow.

In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to the Hope Lodge of Minneapolis, St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Hackensack, or the Winnebago County Historical Society.
http://www.cancer.org/treatment/supportprogramsservices/hopelodge/minneapolis/minneapolis-about-our-facility
http://www.stpaulselcahackensack.org/
http://www.winnebagohistoricalsocietyiowa.org/