Lyle Kline, age 86, of Nisswa passed away peacefully on May 12, 2026, at Hills Crossing

Senior Living in Nisswa, one day before his 87th birthday.

Lyle Edward Kline was born May 13, 1939 in Huron, SD to Edward and Elsie (Brzazowsky)

Kline. He had one older brother, Earl, who he looked up to with pride his entire life. While

growing up in Huron, Lyle enjoyed all the boyhood fun of biking, sledding, hunting, and

exploring his grandparents' farm. As a young teen, he got his first snare drum, which started a

rhythm in life that led to playing drums and making lifelong friendships with fellow musicians.

Lyle's pursuit of music led to Huron College, where he met and married Kathleen May

Karst on June 21, 1964. Together they raised three boys, sharing their love of music in teaching

as well as church and community programs. Their journey led to moving a few times

throughout the Midwest from Miller, SD, Brookings, SD, Orange City, IA, and finally landing in

Nisswa, MN when they purchased a clothing store called The Beehive in 1977, after spending a

couple of summers (76-77) as partners with Russ and Myrna King in Hidden Paradise Resort.

Lyle's choral teaching career spanned over 20 years, which included directing church

choir, high school choir and producing musicals in SD and IA. He had the distinct opportunity to

direct an all state choir on a European tour in 1970. While in MN, Lyle led & expanded the

music programs at Central Lakes College. Outside the classroom, Lyle played drums spanning

seven decades with bands called 'The Dixieland 5' (1960s), 'The Rhythmaires' (1970s), 'Diane

Saumer & Friends' (1990s-2000s), along with many gigs with incredible musicians.

As Mr. Nisswa, Lyle expanded his passion for the city by serving as Nisswa Chamber

President, Lions' Club member, an active member of the Lutheran Church of the Cross church

choir, and then again as a business owner when he opened the Antique Emporium. While

doing all of this, Lyle and Kathy also owned the Gull Lake Motel for over 10+ years.

Throughout Lyle's many years, he made lifelong friends through his smile and genuine

ability to care and connect. From fellow teachers, business folks, customers, musicians, friends,

extended family, and coffee shop companions, they all felt his kindness.

Survivors include Lyle and Kathy's three sons, Jonathan (Tina) Kline of Baxter, Matthew

(Julie) Kline of Mason City, IA, and Nathan (Annie) Kline of Brainerd; as well as six grandchildren,

Samuel, Nolan, Aidan, Reese, Ella, and Lauren. He is preceded in death by his wife Kathy,

parents Edward and Elsie, and his brother Earl.

Thank you to the caregivers, staff, and residents of Hills Crossing in Nisswa and

Moments Hospice. We have appreciated the compassionate care while maintaining a sense of

dignity.

Services will be held Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 11 a.m., at the Lutheran Church of the

Cross in Nisswa with Pastor Drew Bakken officiating. Family and friends are invited to gather

one hour prior to service for visitation, and to stay and share a meal with friends and family

immediately after. For those family and friends unable to attend in person we will have the

service live streamed on https://www.lccnisswa.org/

In lieu of flowers, please send any memorial gifts to the Lutheran Church of the Cross

music programs, or any other local music organizations. 5064 County Road 13, Nisswa, MN

56468