Lyle Thomas Kearns, 84, of Ellsworth, passed away July 3, 2018 at the Baldwin Care Center. He was born May 27, 1934 to Edward and Rose (Black) Kearns in Plum City, Wisconsin.

Lyle graduated in 1954 from Elmwood High School and proudly served his country in the US Army Reserves. He married Darlene LaVonne Fisher on June 23, 1956, with whom he shared 62 years of marriage and four children. Lyle worked as a welder and supervisor at Meyers Industry in Hager City for 38 years, retiring in 1995.

Lyle cherished his time with his family; his playful sense of humor was always ready to brighten our day. He thrived in the outdoors; he loved deer hunting, fishing on the Trimbelle, and harvesting sap in the family’s sugar bush. He enjoyed antique tractors and participated in area tractor pulls. He spent weekends “up north” with his family fishing, playing games, and making bonfires. After they retired, Lyle and Darlene enjoyed spending their winters in Texas.

Lyle is survived by his loving wife, Darlene; children, Dan (Brenda) Kearns of Hager City, Steve (Shannon) Kearns of Bay City, Mary Jo (Joe) Graetz of Hudson, and Mark Kearns of Ellsworth; 9 grandchildren: Melany (Andy) Zimmerman, Jason (Linda) Kearns, Shawn (Lee Anne) Graetz, Angela (Nicholas) DeLapp, Jennifer (Dominic) Guzzetta, John and Adam Kearns, Kortney (Noah) Nordrum, and Schae Smith; 7 great-grandchildren: Ryleigh, Caden, Carlee, Chloe, Samantha, Deklan, and Eleanor; 5 brothers: Leon (Allie), Lloyd (Peg), Norbert (Caroline), Marvin (Joan), and Bill Kearns; 5 sisters: Kathleen VonBargen, Karleen (Ronnie) Gauvin, Carol (Denny) Haglund, Judy (Chuck) Guetschow, and Julie Ann (Bruce) Cavanaugh; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother-in-law, Don VonBargen.

Visitation will take place from 4:00-7:00 pm Friday, July 6, 2018 at the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home, 130 N. Grant Street, Ellsworth, and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 am Saturday, July 7, 2018 at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church, 211 East Division Street, River Falls, with a luncheon immediately following. Burial will be at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery in Ellsworth. Flowers are welcome, any memorials will be designated to charities by the family.