Lyle Schmautz

Lyle Henry Schmautz, age 90, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on October 20, 2025.

Lyle is survived by his devoted wife of 69 years, Ardis; children, Laurie (Dan) Baker, Nicki (Kent) Kraft, Penny (Bill) Ferguson, and Kathy (Nathan) Wright; grandchildren, Mandy (Brad) Fleck, Laci (Troy) Matthiesen, Dustin (Brittany) Baker, Emily (Austin) Bell , and Ashley (Markas) Dahl and great-grandchildren, Brodey Matthiesen, Parker (Alonna) Matthiesen, Portia Matthiesen, Paige Weiss , Taylor Fleck, Lukas & Kolbe Baker, Atlas, Aspen & Apollo Bell, Brooks & Louie Dahl, and one sister, Mary Beth Marohl.

Lyle was born February 24, 1935 to Henry and Louise (Metzger) Schmautz. He grew up in Hebron, ND and later moved to Mandan, ND. He served in the US Navy from 1952-1956 aboard the USS Weiss, APD 135 as a Seaman First Class. He was also a member of the Army National Guard. He married the love of his life, Ardis Fleck on April 9, 1956. They had four daughters; Laurie, Nicki, Penny, and Kathy.

Lyle enjoyed watching all types of sports on TV and always supported the Minnesota Vikings. His favorite outings were with his son-in-law, Nathan.Lyle was a member of the American Legion Club, (where he was the General Manager for several years), Elks, Eagles, Moose, VFW, and 40 and 8.

Lyle is preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-in-law Leonard (Caroline) Schmautz, one sister and brother-in-law, Mildred (John) Brucker, another brother and sister-in-law, LeRoy (Arlene) Schmautz, and one brother-in-law Rudy Marohl

He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy and the Army National Guard. Lyle will be remembered for his steadfast love of family, his service to his country, and the many lives he touched with his kindness and integrity.

Funeral service will be held Thursday, October 30, 2025, at Buehler-Larson Funeral Home with visitation from 9:30 to 10:00 a.m., followed by the service at 10:00 a.m.

Lyle will be interred with Military Honors at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan, North Dakota, following the funeral service at 12:00 p.m.

Donations in Lyle's name may be made to the Navy Safe Harbor Foundation at https://safeharborfoundation.org/.