Lyle Dean Delwiche, 82, of Largo, FL, passed away on Friday, March 10, 2017 at his home, in the loving arms of his wife and daughter. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Lawrence University and serving in the U.S. Navy until 1958, Lyle married Gail T. Cramer and their first child, Jeff, was born in 1958, followed by Kimberly in 1961. Lyle held lifelong employment with Tennant Company. He possessed incredible work ethic, business intelligence, relationship skills and company loyalty which garnered him the long-time position of Senior Vice President of Domestic and International Operations. Lyle’s significant business contributions included living and working in the Netherlands while building up Tennant’s operations and traveling throughout the world on their behalf. Lyle loved his work and made trusted, life-long friends and connections. Through his work in the Netherlands he developed a love for his adopted country which led to his meeting and marrying a young woman from the Netherlands, Hannie Van Nunen. In 1975, their son, Phillip was born.
Due to his hard work at the Tennant Co. in the Netherlands, Lyle became a great friend of the people, working with many of the Dutch people and country he loved as a member of the Netherlands/America Chamber of Commerce, New York, NY and as Director of Dutch studies program at the University of Minnesota. Throughout his life he was recognized with numerous honors including being appointed as the Honorary Consul of the Netherlands, eventually being Knighted by Beatrix, Queen of The Netherlands.
Lyle loved to help others achieve their highest potential as evidenced by his association with St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, Winona, serving on the Board of Trustees for twenty years, eventually being elected to Trustee Emeritus status in May 2009. At various points during his life, he has served as chairman of the Outreach Task Force on the Governor’s Advisory Commission on International Trade, trustee of The Walter C. Rasmussen-Northeast Bank Foundation, Chairman of the Machinery and Allied Products Institute of Washington D.C. Lyle helped numerous others consulting with and advising them on their business ventures and was also an arbitrator.
Lyle loved business, but loved his family more, and throughout the years raised three different generations of children, Jeff and Kim, Phillip, and two of his grandchildren, Dillon and Jadon. His love and concern for his family was always evident and no more so than when anybody needed him, Lyle was always there. He enjoyed skiing with family in Europe, boating on the St. Croix River with friends, and horseback riding. He spoke English, Dutch and French.
Lyle is preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Lucille Delwiche, his brother, Terrance (Francine), and his grand-daughter, Catherine. Lyle is survived by his wife, Hannie , children, Jeffrey (Michelle), Kimberly Radunz(Daniel), and Phillip, and grandchildren, Charita Menne (Joshua), Stephen, Dillon, and Jadon, and great grand-daughter Catherine Belle Menne, who arrived only three hours after her Opa’s death, as well as many other beloved relatives and friends.
Funeral Services will be held at St. Cecelia Catholic Church, Clearwater, FL, on Thursday, March 16, at 1:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, 700 Terrace Heights, Winona, MN 55987.
Dear Hannie, children and grandchildren,
We wish to express our sympathy for your loss and to let you know that our thoughts are with you.
May loving memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength.
Blessings,
René en Hennie Timmers- van Mulukom, Kim, Jan, Boy, Evi en Nik
Lieve Hannie en verdere familie van Lyle,
Gecondoleerd met het verlies van je man, jullie vader, opa, etc.
Vanuit Veghel willen we jullie heel veel sterkte toewensen voor nu en vooral ook voor de toekomst,
wat zullen jullie deze sterke, mooie persoonlijkheid gaan missen!
Veel kracht en liefde voor allemaal toegewenst!
Liefs, Wim en Ellie
Lieve Hannie, familie en vrienden,
Gecondoleerd met het grote verlies van je man, jullie vader, opa en vriend.
Heel veel sterkte en kracht gewenst.
Liefs, Debby
We are so sorry to hear of Kyle’s passing. How precious that you were at home together.
Our thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Wish we could be there to give you all a hug.
God bless you all
Cathy and Jim Duffey
So sad to hear of your father’s death jeff and Kim! Lyle was a fun brother-in-law and recall many days with all the family at the lake! Give my condolences to your kids too Jeff. We are in sebastian, florida for the winter,and montana summers still. Love to you all! Your aunt Holly and uncle Frank
So sad for all. We can see he lived his life to the fullest,and was a full contributer to there as well!
Obviously, HR will be sorely missed.
Mary Etta and Jim
We are so sorry to hear about lyle’s death. He was a wonderful neighbor and family friend in Excelsior MN. He will be missed by everyone.
Chuck and Cathy Anderson
I’m so sorry to hear of Lyle’s death. He was a major contributor to Tennant’s growth over many, many years and a true internationalist. Our deepest sympathies to Hanne and the family.
I am so sorry to hear about Lyle. Lyle was not only a great boss, but also a great friend.Both Jane and I really enjoyed the many trips Lyle made to visit us in Brazil. We also thoroughly enjoyed the numerous international events and parties that Lyle hosted. Lyle was a wonderful man who will be missed. Hannie our thoughts are with you and your family.
Paul and Jane Brunelle, Minneapolis Mn.
Dear Hannie and family,
Very sorry to hear that Lyle has passed away. I remember your hospitality and nice dinners and drinks at your house when we were over for meetings at Tennant. I remember still very well 1 occasion that we had some misunderstanding with Lyle and you jumped in to get things settled again. Also a nice remembrance was the annual garden BBQ at your place. Always enjoyed the company of Lyle and you and the fantastic time working for Tennant Company.
I wish you all the best and many nice memories.
Rein Gelten
Elst-The Netherlands