Obituary of Lyle James Bleecker

Lyle J. Bleecker, 73, of Fort Atkinson passed away on November 29, 2013 at home surrounded by his family after a courageous fight against Multiple Myeloma cancer. Lyle was born in Reeseville, Wisconsin on March 16, 1940, son of James and Frances (Bergdoll) Bleecker. Lyle grew up in Watertown, where he graduated High School in 1958. Lyle served in the Air National Guard from February 1962 until January 1968. On July 29, 1961 he was united in marriage to Sharon Becker in Johnson Creek, Wisconsin. Lyle was employed at Wisconsin Electric in Fort Atkinson for 38 years. He retired in 2000 as an Engineering Technician. He earned an Associate Degree in Electronics from Blackhawk Technical College while working full time. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and also the Drift Skippers Snowmobile Club. Lyle loved the outdoors, and especially enjoyed hunting, fishing and snowmobiling. He treasured his annual deer hunting trips with his son, grandson and close friends to their cabin in Phillips, WI and also the many Canadian fishing trips he went on with his son and friends. After retirement, Lyle designed and built a beautiful cabin in Elcho, WI and truly cherished all the special memories he had there spending time with his family and friends. His true passion was woodworking, spending countless hours in his shop. His greatest pride was his four grandchildren. He attended their numerous sporting events, never wanting to miss any games. Above all else, family was the very most important thing to Lyle, and he was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. He will be remembered for so many things but especially his unlimited talents and desire to help others. His brave attitude towards his cancer is an inspiration to us all. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 52 years; son Doug (Sherry) Bleecker of Fort Atkinson; daughter Lorri (Dion) Brown of Fort Atkinson; four grandchildren, James Bleecker of Fort Atkinson, Cori Bleecker of Whitewater, Nick and Mitch Brown of Fort Atkinson; and many other relatives and friends. Lyle was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Georgiann Simdon. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, December 4, 2013, 11:00 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church, 314 Barrie Street, Fort Atkinson WI 53538 with the Rev. Bryan Engfer officiating. A private family burial will be in the Lakeview Cemetery. Visitation will be at Trinity Lutheran Church from 5 to 8 on Tuesday, and on Wednesday from 10:00 AM until time of services. Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or Rainbow Hospice. The family would like to sincerely thank Rainbow Hospice for the wonderful care provided to Lyle, and especially his nurse Sarah Stewart. Special thanks to Dr. Rachel Cook, Dr. Jeff McGuire, Pastor Bryan Engfer as well as friends and family for their support, prayers, and visits during this difficult time. Nitardy Funeral Home, Fort Atkinson is assisting the family.