Lyle O. Bestland

Lyle O. Bestland, 86, of New London, died Wednesday, September 23, 2020, at his home on Lake Andrew.  A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 26, 2020, at Peace Lutheran Church in New London.  Burial will be at Lebanon Cemetery in New London. A visitation will be held from 5-7:00 pm on Friday at Johnson Funeral Home in New London. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Rice Hospice.   

Lyle Odean Bestland was born on April 17, 1934, in Hanley Falls, MN the son of Oscar and Gladys (Kise) Bestland.  He grew up in Hanley Falls where he attended school and was baptized and confirmed at Yellow Medicine Lutheran Church.  On March 23, 1957, Lyle was united in marriage to Rose Colburn in Springfield, MN.  This union was blessed with a son and two daughters. 

On May 13, 1957, Lyle was inducted into the United States Army.  He was stationed in Augsburg Germany and honorably discharged on July 18, 1958.  Lyle and Rose then moved back to his family farm in Hanley Falls where they lived and farmed until 1961, when they moved to Minneapolis.  They lived in Minneapolis for two years then they moved to Boyd.  They lived in Boyd until 1968 when they moved to Priam. Lyle and Rose lived in Priam for twenty years moving to their current home on Lake Andrew in 1988.  Lyle worked for the MN State Highway Department as a Bridge Crew Foreman for 29 years retiring on June 28, 1990. 

Lyle was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in New London.  He enjoyed playing pinochle, fishing, traveling, playing wizard with the Lake Andrew neighbors, and hosting his 4:30 happy hour.  More than anything Lyle loved spending time with his family and friends especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Lyle died on Wednesday, September 23, 2020, at the age of 86.  He is survived by his children:  Jeff (Lori) Bestland of Monticello, Brenda (Erik) Arne of Sunburg, and Becky (Jeff) Behm of Priam; grandchildren:  Cory (Benita) Behm, Cameron Behm, Shane (Heather) Arne, Brett (Jenny) Arne, Erin (Matt) Barr, Trent (Joni) Bestland, and Connor Bestland; great-grandchildren, Brandon Arne, Caleik Arne, Ryker Arne, Lillian Arne, Lauryn Wegener, Jackson Wegener, Jordyn Wegener, Landon Wegener, Emery Barr, Auggie Barr, Lottie Barr, and Railyn Behm.  Lyle is also survived by his sister, Virginia Stech; brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, Jeanette Colburn and Carol (Roger) Kemp; and many nieces and nephews.

Lyle was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 61 years, Rose; sister, Pearl and Ervin Eye, sisters-in-law, Gladys and Merlyn Tews, Ellen and Kenneth Richert; brothers-in-law, Andrew Colburn, and Ted Stech.

The family would like to send a very special thank you to Lyle’s neighbors, especially Larry and Dianne Henjum, Nick and Judy Zacharison, Gary Bahe, and Hollis and Vera Weber for all their help and being there to check up on Lyle nearly everyday. 

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