Lyle Udell Bollinger was born on February 5, 1934, in Chester, Illinois, to Floyd and Marie Bollinger. Lyle grew up in Ellis Grove, Illinois, on the family farm. After graduating from Chester High School, Lyle joined the U.S. Army and served during the Korean War. Shortly after his discharge, Lyle met and fell in love with Mary Rathert. They married on August 13, 1955, and had four children: Becky, Kevin, Lindell, and Susan. Lyle completed his degree in Industrial Education at Pan American University in the Rio Grande Valley. Lyle and his family lived in McAllen, Texas, for 20 years and moved to Kyle in 1978. Lyle’s family was of the upmost importance to him and he was the happiest when he had his family around him and one of his pets on his lap.
Lyle loved to share stories about his life on the farm, life in the service, and life in general. He loved airplanes, nature, fishing, woodworking and camping. He proudly served his country and always appreciated participating in local Veterans Day programs with his grandsons at Hays CISD campuses. He was an Emergency Services District commissioner for many years supporting the Kyle Fire Department.
Lyle passed away peacefully on April 12, 2016, at home with his family and with his dog on his lap. There will be a “Lyle-Style Texas Wake” (this means a BBQ & party … yes, new terminology has been created for Lyle) at the family home in Kyle from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 16. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 17, at Bethany Lutheran Church, 3701 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin, Texas. This service will be followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall. Anyone who knew Lyle and would like to honor his memory is welcome.
Lyle was preceded in death by his son, Kevin Lyle Bollinger, his parents, Floyd and Marie Bollinger, and brothers, Robert Dunn and Gerald Bollinger. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Mary Rathert Bollinger; daughters, Becky Bollinger Radtke (Ken Radtke) of Spring, Texas, and Susan Meckel of Kyle, Texas; son, Lindell Bollinger (Soo Im Tan Bollinger) of Kyle; grandchildren, Kate Radtke of Boston, Massachusetts, Chris Radtke of Big Spring, Texas, Kevin Meckel of Kyle and Ryan Bollinger of Kyle; and one great grandchild, Colton Radtke of Big Spring. He is also survived by one brother, Jean Bollinger (Evelyn) of Cedar Park, Texas. He was a loving surrogate “Pa-Pa” to numerous extended family and friends, many of whom knew him as “Lyle from Kyle”.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions made to one of the following organizations that were important to Lyle:
The Kyle Fire Department (Hays County ESD #5), 210 W. Moore, Kyle, TX 78640
Central Texas AMVETS Post 115, 401 Rebel Drive, Kyle, TX 78640 (www.amvets115.org)
Bethany Lutheran Church, 3701 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin, TX 78749.
