Lyle Rakness, 87, Minot, died Monday, December 1, 2014 in a Dickinson, ND hospital.

Lyle was born October 5, 1927 in Minot, ND to Lyle Sr. and Wilma (Demaree) Rakness. He was reared and educated in Minot, earning a diploma from Minot High School.

Lyle enlisted into the US Navy on December 14, 1944 serving his country honorably until his discharge on July 13, 1946. He returned to Minot and was joined in marriage to Patricia Harvey on July 1, 1947 in Minot, where they would make their home.

Lyle gained employment in 1947 with American Electric but later took a position with Haggenstein Electric. The company was renamed Main Electric Construction and Lyle served as an electrician and also as part owner of the company until his retirement in 1994. Lyle also maintained a hobby farm with interests in Tolgen and Rolling Green Township of Ward County for 20 years.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, American Legion, Moose Lodge, and a 65 year member of the Electrical Workers Union Local 714, all of Minot. Lyle was a past member of the Elk's and Eagle's Aerie, both of Minot. He enjoyed his time on the farm but also enjoyed traveling and woodworking. Lyle was known to have a green thumb, tending to his yard and garden in town and on the farm. He was an exceptional card player with pinochle as his game of choice. Lyle will also be remembered for always taking the time to help someone in need. He will be missed by all who shared in his life.

Lyle is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Patricia Rakness, Richardton, ND; children, Jerome (Laurel Buchholz) Rakness, Minot, ND, Duane (Donna) Rakness, Richardton, ND, Colleen LaFontaine, Richardton, ND and Shanda (Bruce) Aman, Richardton, ND; grandchildren, Boyd (Jessica) Rakness, Scott (Michelle) Rakness, Katrina (Shane) Barron, Kayla Rakness, Rebecca (Nick) LaFontaine, Sally Niebel, Garrett Walsh, Cody (Rachelle) Mayer and Bradley (Michelle) Mayer; great-grandchildren, Gunner, Addison, Easton, Cooper, Tanner, Lawson, Kenadi, Trenten, Shane, Jr., Hunter, Raymen, Kyuss, Waylen, Emma, Bentley, Maci and Layken and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Lyle was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Gene Schmidt and great-grandchildren, Ian Mayer and Tristen Rakness.

Celebration of Life Service: 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 5, 2014 at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, located at 1000 3rd St. NE, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND
Visitation: Thursday, December 4, 2014, from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot and Friday, from noon until the start of the service at the church.
Memorials are preferred to organizations dedicated to stopping elder abuse or research and cures for Alzheimer's.