Lyle Gerken

Little Rock, Iowa

Lyle Gerken, age 79, of Little Rock, Iowa, died on Monday, August 21, 2023, at Sibley Nursing and Rehab in Sibley.

Visitation will be Monday, August 28, 2023, from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM with the family present from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Salem Reformed Church in Little Rock, Iowa.

Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at Salem Reformed Church with Pastor Daniel Stanley, officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasantview Cemetery at Little Rock.

 Lyle Glenn Gerken was born December 8, 1943, at his family farm in rural Little Rock, IA, the son of Ben and Elsie (DeBoer) Gerken. Lyle grew up on a farm near Little Rock and attended country school until the 8th grade and attended one year of high school in George. 

On June 26, 1964, Lyle was united in marriage to Jo Ann Schoon at Salem Reformed Church in Little Rock. To this union, two daughters were born, Kelli Jo and Staci Sue. They made their home in Little Rock. 

Lyle worked for a few different construction companies, before working as a maintainer operator for Lyon County, which he truly enjoyed. In 2006, he had a stroke, which caused early retirement. He also farmed on the side for many years. 

He was a member of Salem Reformed Church in Little Rock. He enjoyed gardening with his wife, camping, golfing, checking crops, and spending time at their Arizona home. You would always see Lyle with candy in his mouth and pens in his pocket, and was known for his smart witted personality. He enjoyed visits from his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

In 2017, Lyle became a resident of Sibley Nursing and Rehab, where he passed away on August 21, 2023.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Staci (Rick) Klaassen of Little Rock, IA; son-in-law, Jeff Klaassen of Little Rock, IA; five grandchildren, Chelsie (Adam) Wiertzema, Krista (Andrew) Hoyme, Kory Klaassen, Shannon (Austin) Lloyd, Kassidy (Jesse) Kramer, and Brennan Klaassen; eleven great grandchildren, Kennedy, Jayla, Masyn, Paisley, Madden, Maverick, Matthew, Mia, Myles, Greyson, and Quinn; three brothers, John (Beverly) Gerken of George, IA, Gregg (Dennise) Gerken of Little Rock, IA, and Eric Gerken of Centralia, MO; sisters, Orlene (Conrad) Van Zee of Rock Valley, IA, and Bonnie (Fred) Hilbrands of Sheldon, IA; sisters-in-law, Elaine Bossard of Mesa, AZ, Karen (Gerald) Wiertsema of Ida Grove, IA, LeAnn Gerken of Little Rock, IA, and Alvina (Gary) Kruger of Little Rock, IA; and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jo Ann Gerken; daughter, Kelli Jo Klaassen; parents, Ben and Elsie; infant brother, Lanys; brother, Roger "Butch" Gerken; parents-in-law, George and Wilma Schoon; brother-in-law, Fred Bossard; nephew, Robert Bossard; and two nieces, Rochelle Bruns and Jessica Gerken. 

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Lyle Gerken, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.