Lyle C Johnson

Lyle C. Johnson, 75, of Sioux City died Thursday, Jan. 3, 2008, at a Sioux City hospital following a brief illness.

Services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday January 9, 2008 at Trinity Lutheran Church, with the Rev. R. Paul Johnston officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, with military rites conducted by the 185th Base Honor Guard. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, January 8, 2008 with the family present 6 to 8 p.m., and a Masonic service at 7 p.m., at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel, 6200 Morningside Ave.

Lyle was born Feb. 25, 1932, in Ponca, Neb., to Earl and Thelma (Harding) Johnson. He graduated from Newcastle (Neb.) High School in 1949. Shortly after graduating from high school, Lyle enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving with the 185th in Sioux City from 1950 to 1985 as a tech sergeant.

He married Elaine Wilbur on June 5, 1954, in Ponca. She preceded him in death on March 17, 2004, in Sioux City. Lyle was the chief engineer for Channel 14.

He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Lyle was very involved in numerous organizations where he held many offices. The most recent include the Masonic Landmark Lodge 103, where he served as Past Master, Iowa Grand Lodge as Past Senior Grand Deacon from 1977 to 1978, Senior Grand Warden from 1982 to 1983 and Deputy Grand Master from 1985 to 1986, Commander of Columbian Commandery 18, Past Grand Commander of Grand Commandery Knights of Templar of Iowa from 1998 to 1999, 33rd Degree Inspector General of Scottish Rite of Free Masonry, a member of Abu Bekr Shrine Temple, where he was involved with Hospital Dads and the Wrecking Crew, Past Patron of ISIS Chapter Order of Eastern Star as well as many other Masonic organizations.

Lyle was a giving person of his time, a devoted husband, a loving father and had a special place in his heart for his grandson, who he took out for a special treat after school everyday.

Survivors include two daughters, Peggy Johnson and Patty (Cliff) Steinkraus, both of Sioux City; a grandson, Mark Steinkraus of Sioux City; a sister, Carol (Darrell) Lux of Salix, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.

Memorials may be directed to Shrine Transportation Fund or Knight Templar Eye Foundation.