Lyle's Memorial Video

Lyle's Funeral Mass Video

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lyle Gene Suprise, Sr., who died on Thursday, January 16, 2025.  Lyle was born on February 1, 1934 in Shiocton, the eldest of eight children, born to Eugene and Kathryn (Thorp) Suprise.  He grew up with a strong sense of family and community, graduating from Bear Creek High School.  Lyle then pursued higher education at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, earning both undergraduate and graduate degrees.  Throughout his life, Lyle was dedicated to service and family.  His first marriage to Mary Suprise, the mother of his children, ended in divorce.  Following the death of his second wife, Cathy Soo, Lyle found love again and married his beloved wife, Priscilla (Percy), with whom he spent the remainder of his life.  Percy tended to and took care of Lyle better than any care facility or hospital could ever do, always giving everything she could to keep him healthy, happy and comfortable.  Lyle's commitment to service was evident throughout his life.  Commissioned as a second Lieutenant in the US Army, he served with distinction in the Combat Engineers in West Germany and Vietnam and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.  For his bravery and selflessness, he was awarded a Purple Heart, Silver Star and two Bronze Stars for valor.  He was also a ROTC instructor at the University of Alabama from 1963-1965.  His military career was a defining chapter in his life, shaping his character and the way he lived thereafter.  Lyle raised his family in Haymarket, Virginia, where he was known in the community for his strong work ethic, cultivating a beautiful garden, and fixing or fabricating anything that needed attention.  His homemade pickles became a favorite family treat, and his children fondly remember his humorously terrible haircuts during his younger years. In the 1990's, Lyle moved to Granada Hills, California.  After completing his military service, he worked for various federal agencies and later spent several years at Northrop Grumman, while residing in Ashburn, Virginia. In 2008, Lyle returned to Wisconsin, settling back in to Bear Creek, where he continued to embody the values of his hometown.

Lyle is survived by his wife, Priscilla (Percy) Miller Suprise; four children, Lyle (LouAnn) Suprise, Jr., Diane (John) Donahue, David (Ellen) Suprise and James "Jim" Suprise; his sister, Karen (Max) Benson; brother, Pat (Susan) Suprise; Percy's children, Tim (Betty) Miller, Todd (Terry) Miller, Troy (Julie) Miller and Tammie (Paul) Guyette.  He also leaves behind many grandchildren, Bethany, Natalie, Emily, Brigid, Rory, Liam, Mary Nell, Mairead, Cillian, Christopher, Lauren, Megan and several great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Lyle was preceded in death by his eldest daughter, Lori Marie Suprise and his siblings, Tom, Jay, Wayne, Mary Olevsky and Kathleen "Babe" Markiewicz.

The Funeral Mass for Lyle, honoring his life and legacy, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Bear Creek with Fr. Simon Minyati officiating.  Visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass.  Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Bear Creek.

Lyle will be remembered for his unwavering loyalty, discipline, and love for his family and country.  His legacy lives on through the gardens he tended, the lessons he imparted, and the impact he made on all who knew him.

The family greatly appreciates the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time.