Lyle J. Witzel, 97, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away at 1:46 am July 23, 2024 at his residence. He was born February 9, 1927 in Cravat, Illinois to the late James and Lena Amelia (Rodatz) Witzel. Lyle married Ruth (Burkitt) Witzel on June 8, 1963. They have been blessed with sixty-one years of marriage.
In addition to his wife, Lyle is survived by his children, Brenda Torrez and husband, Luther of Mount Vernon and Lora Nafziger and boyfriend, Gabriel Rivera of Bonnie; grandchildren, Bryson Owens and wife, Jerrica, Luther Torrez, Jr. and wife, Alina, Cody Owens and Britney, Nickolas Torrez, Aaron Nafziger and Amanda, Shane Nafziger and wife, Julie, Riana Torrez, Amelia Torrez, and Michael Lyle Torrez; several great-grandchildren who named him “Old Papa”; several nieces and nephews; special caregivers, Lauren Zemaskas and Tonya Elliston; and special neighbors, Ronnie and Mary Krutsinger.
In addition to his parents, Lyle was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert Witzel and Walter Rodatz and fishing buddy, Rolla Pierce
Mr. Witzel proudly served his country in World War II entering boot camp on his 18th birthday. He served in the United States Navy on the naval vessel USS Latimer. He was lovingly known to family and friends as “King Fish”. He loved to fish and spend time with family, especially his grandchildren. Lyle loved to tell stories, jokes, and genealogy. He had a passion for getting family together for family reunions. Lyle was a Godly man scripture tells us in Psalm 82:3, “God commands us to protect and care for orphans and widows.” and he lived this out. He loved unconditionally and worked really hard. He was a rare breed “a one of a kind man.” He will be greatly missed.
A Visitation will be held Friday, July 26, 2024 from 9:00 am to 10:00 am at Fouts Christian Church in Centralia, Illinois. A Funeral Service will begin at 10:00 am with Pastor Kent Jackson officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens in Woodlawn, Illinois. Full Military Rites will be held at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Lyle’s honor to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
