Lyle Eugene Boender

May 15, 1932 - September 18, 2018

Lyle Boender, 86, of Oskaloosa, died Tuesday, September 18, 2018, at the Oskaloosa Care Center in Oskaloosa. He was born May 15, 1932, in Oskaloosa, the son of Pete and Mabel Colville Boender. He graduated from Oskaloosa High School with the class of 1951. Following high school, he was united in marriage to Shirley Floden on August 6, 1952 in Lancaster, Missouri. Shirley died January 23, 1991, after nearly 40 years of marriage. Shortly after their marriage Lyle entered the United States Army. He served from August of 1952 and was honorably discharged in August of 1954. He was stationed in Germany and served with the 14th Armored Division, Tank Division, he was in charge of the motor pool for personnel carriers. He also drove the jeep for the commander. Following his discharge, he moved to California and attended the University of California at Berkley. After earning his diploma, he returned to Oskaloosa and began his career with the City of Oskaloosa. He started out operating a bulldozer, through hard work and continued training he earned his Class IV Waste Water Operator Certificate. He continued his career with the city moving through the ranks and retired from his position of Public Works Director in 1993, after 40 years of service. He had a lifelong love of learning and was a pioneer in his field, always looking for a better way to solve a problem. On November 16, 1991, he was united in marriage to Louise Molyneux at Oskaloosa. Louise died on December 23, 2009, after 18 years of marriage. For many years Lyle was a member of the Gospel Tabernacle (now Fellowship Bible Church). Following his marriage to Louise he transferred his membership to the First Christian Church in Oskaloosa. Lyle was one of the charter members of the Mahaska County Sherriff Posse, in the 1960’s when the two requirements where having to have a horse and a gun. Lyle was proud of the fact that his grandson Brad carried that family tradition on by joining the Posse. Lyle was also a member of the Forest Cemetery Board. He enjoyed horses, tractor rides with his buddies, and camping especially at the State Fair. He also enjoyed Winters in Arizona, going to auctions and finding “supplies” for the farm. His thrifty and engineering mind would be in high gear as he would find “throw away” items that he could resurrect and use. Of late he looked forward to rides in the country with his family, those rides were especially good if they included pop-corn or ice cream. He delighted in spending time with his family and friends. His family includes his two sons, David (Kerri) Boender of Moravia and Dan (Mindy) Boender of Oskaloosa; four grandchildren, Angela (Travis) Miller, Chad (Tonya) Boender, Eric (Michelle) Boender, and Brad (Julie) Boender; ten great grandchildren; four step children, Bruce, Brian, Brent, and Renee; many step grandchildren and step great grandchildren; brothers and sisters in law, Bob (Joan) Floden, Paul (Bev) Floden, Betty Den Hartog, Sharon Scott, and Rosemary Boender; and many nieces and nephews. Lyle was preceded in death by both of his wives, his parents; a step granddaughter, Madison Stanke; his brother Jack Boender; and four brothers in law, Jr. Floden, John Floden, Melvin Den Hartog and Gary Scott. Funeral services will be held Friday, September 21, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Reverend Molly Goodrich officiating. Burial will be in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. Graveside Military Honors will be given by members of the Oskaloosa American Legion and V.F.W. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin Thursday after 12 noon in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 5-7 Thursday evening to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to First Christian Church or Stephen’s Memorial Animal Shelter.