Alexandria – Lyle Curtis Watne, age 73, of Alexandria, passed away on March 17, 2023, at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND.
He was born on October 2, 1949 to Lloyd and Lorraine (Lunden) Watne in Fosston. He was baptized and confirmed at Ekelund Lutheran Church and raised on the family farm in Goodridge.
After high school, Lyle worked at Pacific Pumpers in Seattle, WA. He enlisted in the Army in November 1968 and was deployed to the Central Highlands of Vietnam. He was stationed at Hue, fire bases Nancy, Barbara, Tomahawk 1, Tomahawk 2, and Sally during his 16-month deployment. After being injured, he received the Purple Heart medal while in the hospital in Da Nang, Vietnam. He returned home in 1970 and attended the Thief River Falls Vocational School before working for local businesses.
Lyle was married in March 1971, and together they had a daughter*.
He worked various jobs, including in the wild rice fields, repairing equipment for Furseth Nelson Implement, and at the missile base in Nekoma, ND. In 1975, he settled into his forever home next to his brother Larry in Alexandria. Lyle worked in construction for a few years and temporarily traveled to Warroad to work at Marvin Windows. Prior to retirement, he was a welder for a company that fabricated airport baggage components. This job took him from coast to coast and even to Hawaii. He was also honored at the 2019 Goodridge Freedom Fest for his service in Vietnam.
Lyle paid great attention to detail and took immense pride in caring for his cars, tending to his yard, and maintaining his tractors. His hobbies included visiting with family and friends, tinkering with his tractors, watching NASCAR, and being on the lake.
He lost his long-term partner, Charlotte, in January 2023. He was always there for her, even caring for her during her illness, providing support and comfort when she needed it most. His unwavering commitment to her well-being was a testament to his kind and compassionate nature. He always had a soft spot for animals and had taken in her beloved cats as his own.
Lyle is survived by his sister, Linda (Howard) Hanson of Trail; brothers, Lonnie Watne of Goodridge, and Lowell (Sherrlene) Watne of East Grand Forks; nieces and nephews, Joanne Olson, Tammy (Lynn) Schmeling, Loren (Lori) Watne, Jimmy (Melissa) Watne, Dean (Naomi) Hanson, Shannon (Jessie) Watne, Jaclyn (Jamie) Lunsetter, David (Jennifer) Watne, and Brittany (Steven) Hervey; his daughter*; granddaughters*; many great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.
Lyle was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Lorraine Watne; brother, Larry Watne; nieces, Wendy Thrane, Laurie Bentley, and Paige Watne; nephew, Luane Hanson; and his special friend, Charlotte Kroska.
Lyle will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His commitment to serving his country and his sense of humor will always be remembered.
Arrangements for a celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
*Per the daughter’s request, these names have been withheld.
A00003B2023AP05