Lyle Sanderfoot Funeral Service Video

Lyle J, Sanderfoot, age 87 of Combined Locks was welcomed to his heavenly home on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at Evergreen Retirement Community in Oshkosh, WI. Lyle was born on October 26, 1937, to the late Lambert and Esther (Van Lanen) Sanderfoot in Kaukauna, WI. Lyle was baptized on October 31, 1937. At "a very young age", Lyle enlisted himself into the United States Army. Lyle proudly served his country in the Korean War and Vietnam from 1953-1974. After 21 years, Lyle retired from the Army, a decorated soldier. Returning  home to care for his beloved children. While in the Army, Lyle served many roles, some he never spoke of. Lyle told many stories of the things he did in the Army. One may find some of his stories not to be totally believable, but he actually had pictures and articles to back up these amazing recollections. As a soldier in the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team he jumped out of what he described as "perfectly good airplanes", meaning why would he jump
when he was in a safe plane? On one occasion he jumped with a black bear named Rocky in tow. Lyle also served as a mess steward, where he created the Chuck Wagon, serving his non-traditional army chow to the delight of his fellow soldiers. He also spoke how he bravely hitch hiked from Korea all the way to Bear Creek, WI to get home to his sick Mother. While in the military Lyle was able to travel to 22 foreign countries and  50 states. Lyle was a lifetime member of the DAV, VFW and American Legion. After his military career, Lyle spent most of his time living in Clintonville, WI where he worked as a cook at the local truck stop. While working as a cook, he met and married the love of his life, Bonnie. Lyle and Bonnie married on April 19, 1982. Together they shared 31 wonderful years. They enjoyed dancing, camping, bowling, casinos, video games and most of all, family time. Lyle and Bonnie were long time members of St. Martin Lutheran Church, Clintonville, where he served as an Elder and was also credited for starting the popular Board of Elders Friday Fish Fry. After Bonnie's passing, Lyle was fortunate enough to find true love for a second time. Lyle and Karen were married on January 20, 2017. Lyle and Karen enjoyed their time together dining out, watching the Brewers, time at Sunset Park and also loved spending time with their families. He would light up in the presence of children and looked forward to the frequent visits from great-grandchildren Claire, Jackson & Reid. Lyle was a very kind, generous man and loved to find a way to gather family for a dinner or a party. Lyle was known as "the lottery guy" at the Kwik Trip as he loved passing time doing scratch off lottery tickets. He also enjoyed an occasional trip to the casino.

Lyle is survived by his wife, Karen (Mattison - Jones) Sanderfoot, his children Tammy (Dean) Daebler, Brian Sanderfoot, Connie (Ken) Christensen, Cindy (Frank) Erb, Carla Loritz, Cheryl (Lee) Kucksdorf, Don (Peggy) Smith, Carilee (Paul) Klatt, Linda (Ron) Thompson, Diane Jones, Steve Jones and special friend Laurie Kurth. Lyle is also survived by his grandchildren; Nicholas, Anika, Angela, Katie, Lisa, John, Christina, Frannie, Cilla, Laura, Emily, Dawn, Derek, Bethany, Adam, Chelsea, Ryan N., Andrew, Ryan K., Kirsten, Ethan, Kayla, Kendra, Trevor, Alyssa and Ryan J. Lyle was also blessed with several great grandchildren; Claire, Jackson, Reid, Grace, Alice, Riley, Warren, Josie, Ella, Lainey, Spencer, Idella, Sutter, Meryl, Jonas and Milo.

Lyle was preceded in death by his parents, Lambert and Esther Sanderfoot, his wife Bonnie (Vollmer-Smith) Sanderfoot, his son Lyle J. Sanderfoot Jr.(Skipper), his siblings La Verne Ellenbecker, Al Sanderfoot, Dave Sanderfoot.

Lyle's life will be celebrated with visitation on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM at St. Martin Lutheran Church, Clintonville. Rev. Hayden Lucas will officiate and full military honors will follow. Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery, Clintonville.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established or donations can be made in his name to St. Martin Lutheran Church.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Evergreen Retirement Community and Compassus Hospice. Also, a heartfelt appreciation to the Rev. Hayden Lucas, Rev. Jason Zobel and Steve Conradt and Dick Cloeter of St. Martin Lutheran church for their many wonderful visits with Lyle.
Lyle's life was one to be admired. The world is a much better place because of this very special man.

"No matter what, you must first remember to LOVE one and all. Family is all about love!  It's
not good-bye, but see you again." ~ Lyle J. Sanderfoot