Lyle S. "Ike" Rightmeier

Lyle S. RIghtmeier, of Mankato, Kansas, was born August 30, 1923, on a farm four miles south of Montrose, Kansas, to Lewis and Leta (Clark) Rightmeier, and died Tuesday February 16, 2016, at the Jewell County Immediate Swing Bed, Mankato, Kansas, at the age of 92 years, 5 months, and 17 days.

Lyle was known as “Ike” was one of seven children born to his parents. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings and their spouses – Leonard, Loren, Lyman, Lester, Leona Winter, and Leon Rightmeier.

Ike attended school at Hillsdale Country School and graduated from Montrose High School. He joined the United States Army in April 17, 1943 at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and was discharged January 12, 1946, with the rank of Corporal servicing in the 124th Horse Cavalry regiment.

Lyle married Virginia Lee Snyder on October 21, 1951, at the Methodist Church, Montrose, Kansas. To this union two children were born – Paula and Roger. Ike lived his earlier years in Montrose, moving to Mankato in 1951. Ike worked for the United States Government as a surveyor and soil conservation technician. He was a member of the Harmony United Methodist Church, Mankato, Kansas.

He is survived by his wife – Virginia of Mankato; daughter – Paula and husband, Terry Cherney, of Agenda, Kansas; son – Roger Lyle Rightmeier of Mankato, Kansas; three grandchildren – Carrie and husband, David Hahn of Prairie Village, Kansas; Patrick and wife, Chantel Cherney of Newton, Kansas, Bria Cherney of Denver, Colorado; three great-grandchildren – Keller Hahn, Audrey and Nora Cherney; siblings-in-law – Bonnie Snyder, Don and Barbara Snyder, Ron Intermill, Leta and Kenneth Adams; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Ike cherished his family and the many friends he made through the activities he enjoyed throughout his life, including fishing, hunting, bowling, golfing, gardening, singing in barbershop quartets and gaining his private pilot license after his retirement.

Lyle S. Rightmeier has requested immediate cremation, and service will be held at a later date to honor his life. Arrangements were made by Melby Mortuary, 402 N High Street, PO Box 384, Mankato, Kansas 66956. Online condolences can be left at www.melbymortuary.com.