Lyle O. Usgaard

Lyle Odell Usgaard, 84, Moorhead, MN, died peacefully on Friday, January 26, 2018, at the VA Medical Center in Fargo, ND.

Lyle was born September 4, 1933, the son of Henry and Jennet (Johnson) Usgaard in McVille, ND. Lyle, raised in Pekin, ND, moved to Gary, MN, where he attended high school. He studied at Gale Institute, Minneapolis, MN, and Moorhead State University before joining the Army Guard in 1953 and enlisting in the Navy in 1955. After his discharge, he attended Interstate Business College, Fargo.

On April 25, 1960, Lyle was united in marriage to Janice Rebhahn. Together they resided in Moorhead, where they raised their three children, Sheri, Kent, and Jay. Lyle served the NALC for 54 years, 31 of those as a letter carrier. However, Lyle found his true passion in volunteerism, in particular through serving other veterans. Throughout his life, Lyle volunteered for numerous organizations, including the American Legion, the VFW, and the AMVETS. Most people, however, remember him best through his nearly 20,000 hours of community service at the Fargo VA Hospital. As a result of his service, Lyle received numerous awards, including the national AMVETS Silver Helmet Award, which was presented to him in Washington, DC. Lyle also served as Moorhead City Councilman for several years.

Lyle is survived by his loving wife, Janice; children, Sheri (Mitch) Genn, Kent (Daneen) and Jay (Terry Brenner); four grandchildren, Marianna Genn, Janna (Adam) Howland, Jacob Usgaard, and Rachel Usgaard; two great-grandsons, Slade Genn and Xander Howland; brother, Jerry (Barb) Usgaard; two sisters-in-law, Beverly Paul and Gloria Dezingel; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Jerome and Dennis; and brothers-in-law, Edward Paul, Joney Flatland, and Pete Dezingel.

The family wishes to sincerely thank the Fargo VA Medical Center employees for their devoted care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the VA Hospital Greeter Fund or to the donor's choice.