Obituary: Lyle F. "Mike" Meinke, 88, Of Danbury

Information Courtesy Green Funeral Home

DANBURY, CT — Lyle F. "Mike" Meinke, age 88, of Danbury, passed away on Saturday, March 12, peacefully at his home after a brief illness. He was the beloved husband of Lola (Cirillo) Meinke.

Lyle was born in Detroit, Michigan, the son of the late Ernest Meinke and Adaline Tueck Meinke. He graduated Ecorse High School, where he was the coxman in a rowing club. He enjoyed spending time with his lifelong friend, John (Jackie) Kernan, where they often chatted up to his death.

Lyle served in the US Army where he met the love of his life Lola while stationed at Governor's Island NY, who volunteered at the USO Club. Lyle and Lola were married in the Bronx, NY on December 7, 1957 and settled in New York before moving to Danbury in 2014. They were married for 64 years.

Lyle was a butcher and a proud member of Local 464A, where he took pride in serving his many customers in various grocery store chains.

Lyle retired in 1995 where he loved spending time with his family and traveled with his wife. He loved playing golf up to the young age of 87 and many marveled at his love of life, gift of gab and his warm, welcoming smile. He was a big fan of the NY Yankees and loved to work and enjoy in his yard.

He is predeceased by his brothers and sisters: Ernest, Wilbur, Robert, Edward, Russell, Virginia, Geraldine and Caroline.

In addition to his wife of 64 years, survivors include his daughter, Debra; and his granddaughter Samantha. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and a great many friends. Once you met Lyle (or Mike as he was fondly called), you couldn't forget his warm welcoming ways. He will be dearly missed.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 26, at St Joseph's Church, Danbury. The family will host a celebration of Lyle's life at a date to be determined.