Lyle Eugene Niemeyer made his last portage to a place where the fish always bite on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at the age of 89. Lyle was "reeled into this world" on November 22, 1936, in Chatfield, MN. He eventually made his way to Brainerd, graduating from high school in 1954. He attended the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks to pursue a civil engineering degree, and it was there that he met the catch of his life, Judith Diane Nelson. They were married on June 5, 1960, in Cando, North Dakota and celebrated 65 years of marriage with a renewal of vows last summer.

Lyle built a career with the Red Owl grocery business, but his love for the Mississippi River and a resort then known as Fun-Stal brought the family back to Brainerd in 1977. They purchased the resort that year, establishing a family legacy that remains to this day.

Lyle was an amazing father and grandfather, with enough love for his family and anyone else who needed it. Dad was a father figure to many. He touched countless lives through the resort, grocery business, and his passions for bowling, fishing, and the great outdoors. He will be forever remembered for his love of happy hour on the deck and his legendary "bad" jokes.

Lyle is survived by his beloved wife, Judy, and their children:

Kelly (Jim) Larson: Grandchildren Jacob (Rachel) Larson and great-grandson James (George #1); Grace (Steve) Crouser and great-grandchildren Emma and Silas (George #2); Daniel (Anna) DeNeut; and Lydia (Mac) Broughton.

Corby (Sheila) Niemeyer: Grandchildren Gunnar (Alex) Niemeyer and Chandler Niemeyer.

Chris (Janine Johnson) Niemeyer: Grandchildren Samantha (Tony) Putnam and great-grandchildren Lillian and Lyle; Lucas (Maggie) Niemeyer and a future great-grandson, (George#3 lovingly named by Great Grandpa for all of his great grandsons); Joshua (Casey) Niemeyer; Travis (Callie) Johnson; and Hayden (Caitlin) Johnson.

Rachel (Pat) Cummings: Grandchildren Quinn (Chelsea) Cummings and Camille (Travis) Bare; and great-grandchildren Quinn and Aubrey.

He is also survived by his brother, Ronald (Judy) Niemeyer, several nieces, nephews, and cousins, and his four beloved Persian feline friends. Lyle was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Irene and best friend Laurie Tuominen.

Service Information

In honor of Lyle, please feel free to wear a flannel shirt and/or suspenders. In lieu of flowers, donations will be provided to Heartland Animal Rescue Team.

Date: Tuesday, May 12th

Location: Zion Lutheran Church (220 North 8th Street, Brainerd, MN)

Visitation: 10:00 AM

Service: 12:00 PM

Lunch: To follow the service, featuring "open mic" time for stories and music by Bill Black.

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live-streamed, please check Zion website, www.zionbrainerd.com