Lyle George Gudmestad, 89, of Lisbon, ND passed away on January 7, 2021 at the Veterans Hospital in Fargo.

Lyle was born January 2, 1932 to George and Carla (Andersen) Gudmestad of Litchville. He was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Litchville and graduated from high school in 1949.  After graduation he worked at Dahl's Store and later Arves & Nelson, both Litchville.

Lyle entered the U.S. Navy on October 2, 1952. He received his training to work as a machinist on the battleship USS Earl K. Olsen and served in the Korean War. After being honorably discharged he returned home to farm.

He married Janice Strand on January 18, 1959. They made their home in the Litchville area where Lyle farmed for many years. They had one daughter, Shelly.  Later he married Faye Smith. They made their home in Lisbon, ND.

Lyle loved the farm and working the land. His hobbies were playing Pinochle and dancing. He made many miles driving all over to Senior Citizen dances. He made a lot of friendships and loved visiting. Lyle always had a love for kids. He would always have a pocket of change to give out so they could get treats. He was very proud of his family and had a great love for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He entered the North Dakota Veteran's Home in Lisbon, ND in August 2017. His favorite pastime there was playing Pinochle. He lived there up until his death.

His is survived by his daughter, Shelly (Dave) Bruse, Litchville, ND; step-son, Bob (Michelle) Smith, Lisbon, ND; grandchildren, Tony (Kristen) Bruse, Litchville, Cody (Paula) Bruse, Fisher, MN, Leah (Tyler) Baukol, Breckenridge, MN; step-grandchildren, Kristopher (Brittney) Smith, MiKayla (Joe Reinke) Smith, and Haisley Rienke; great-grandchildren, Kenley and Andrew Bruse, and Landon and Caiden Bruse; his brother, Neil (Arne) Gudmestad, Richville, MN; sister-in-law, Gloria Gudmestad, Perham, MN; sister-in-law, Diane Gudmestad, Jamestown, ND; several nieces and nephews.

Lyle is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Faye; sister, Lois Opdahl; brothers, Donald and Dean; brother-in-law, Gerald Opdahl; and a nephew, Jeremy Gudmestad.

Celebrating the life of Lyle due to the COVID pandemic will take place in the spring. Interment will be at Bethlehem Cemetery, rural Litchville.

Lerud Mathias Funeral Home in Valley City, ND is assisting with arrangements.  An online guestbook is available at www.lerudschuldt.com