Lyle Fredrick "Dutch" Kunde was born April 21, 1925 in Rochelle, Illinois, the son
of Lela (Parker) and Herman H. Kunde. After a full life of 97 years, Lyle departed
this earth on September 27, 2022 for new adventures in Heaven above.

Lyle attended Rochelle elementary schools and graduated in 1943 from Rochelle
Township High School (RTHS). Immediately he enlisted in the Naval Air Corps
Pilot Training Program, during World War II, flying an SNJ Stearman aircraft.
Following his military service, he enrolled at the University of Arizona (UofA),
graduating with the class of 1948 with a degree in business.

On February 18, 1951, Lyle married Lois Lenore Gilbert at the United Methodist
Church of Rochelle. They had two children: Karen and Kim. They were married
for 54 years.

Lyle enjoyed several careers before finding his life's calling serving for thirteen
years as Director and three years as Commissioner of the Flagg-Rochelle
Community Park District, from which he retired in 1992. Then, for seven years,
he was employed as a part-time Field Representative for the Flagg Township
Assessor's Office. In 2011, he moved to Prescott, Arizona to be near his
daughter, Karen and son-in-law, Gary Weinreich.

In addition to a devoted love for his family, Lyle loved sports! It began in grade
school, climbing out of the window to play football with friends instead of
practicing his trombone! His RTHS sports included playing football, basketball,
baseball, and tennis. He earned honors in each, including the coveted Hackett
Trophy.

During his enlistment in the Navy and his time at the University of Arizona, Lyle
excelled at his team sports, as well as, tennis and boxing. While attending the
UofA, he was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.
Lyle participated in the City of Rochelle Men's Sports, bowling, and in later
years, he enjoyed golf with other duffers. He was instrumental in starting and
coaching Little League in Rochelle.

From 1948 to 1978, his was the voice announcing RTHS football games, and for
several years, he announced the basketball games and keptscore.
As Rochelle Park District Director, Lyle's many projects included:
• The renovation of Spring Lake with the addition of the swimming pool.
• The development of Skare Park.
• The planning and construction of the Atwood Park Exercise Trail.
• The acquisition and development, along with Mike Sule, of the area that
later became the Lyle Kunde Recreation Area/Lake Sule.

Lyle enjoyed community service and made many lasting friendships as a longtime member of the Golden K's group of the Rochelle Kiwanis Club.
In 2004, he was honored with being inducted into the RTHS Athletic Hall of
Fame.

Lyle, a "diehard" Cubs fan, was overjoyed in 2016, when his beloved Chicago
Cubs won the World Series for the first time in his long life!

Lyle is survived by his daughter, Karen and Gary Weinreich of Prescott, AZ;
granddaughters: Jen and Jim Thompson, with their sons, Jake and Jesse of
Rochelle; Manda and Jake McCoy and their daughter, Macy of Amboy, IL; and
nephew, Brian Kunde of Phoenix, AZ.

Lyle was predeceased by his wife, Lois; son, Kim; brother Lloyd; nephew Mark,
and his parents, Herman and Lela.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11:00 am on Thursday, October 6, 2022 at Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N 6th St., Rochelle. The funeral service will follow the visitation and begin at 11 am on Thursday. Military services provided by the Eastern-Lee Ogle Honor Guard and burial will follow funeral at Lawnridge Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Flagg-Rochelle Community Park
District, 802 Jones Road, Rochelle, IL 61068.