West Bend, Wi – Lyle D. Hader, 91, formerly of West Bend and Port Washington, and most recently of Grafton, went joyously into the arms of Jesus in the early morning hours of Friday, June 20, 2025.
Lyle was an only child and born to Harry and Dolores (Lochen) Hader on October 2, 1933, on the Robert Lochen homestead near Newburg, WI. He was a U. S. Army veteran.
On January 7, 1956, Lyle married Charlotte Mary Goeden.
Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Charlotte, of Port Washington; his six loving children: Carl (Sally) of Grafton; Mary (David) Michalewicz of Edgar; Janine (Jeff) Yovanovich of Random Lake; Paula of West Bend; Michael (Jill) of Mequon; and Robert (Kris) of West Bend; 10 grandchildren: Steven, Sarah, Matthew, Elizabeth, Michelle, Haley, Michaella, Samuel, Mitchell, and Krystle; 14 great-grandchildren: Mateo, Luca, Henry, Quinn, Bryant, Lincoln, Levi, Charlotte, Nevaeh, Sincerity, Johnathon, Aura May, Annabeth, and Rosalie. He is further survived by sister-in-law Dolores Goeden Koenig; brother-in-law Willard (Jeanne) Goeden, and many special nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, Lyle was predeceased by his father and mother-in-law, Leo and Josephine Goeden, brothers-in-law Jerome (Joyce) Goeden and Vernon Goeden; and sister-in-law Hyacinth (Gilbert) Beine.
Lyle had a fun-loving nature and a good sense of humor that he gave to his children. He especially looked forward to all family gatherings and was always ready to hear about the plentiful tomfooleries of his children and their friends! He enjoyed a great meal and fancied any sweet treat.
Lyle’s first passion in life was music. He received an accordion at a very young age and by age 27, was an accomplished musician and member of a local favorite polka band, Bernie and His Jolly Lads. He and his fellow band members provided Frankie Yankovic-style music to their fans through public polka dances, wedding receptions, and picnics for 25 years. The band recorded two albums. The Jolly Lads retired, and Lyle continued to play as a one-man band for several years providing polka, waltz, and country music. His cherished Baldoni accordion was gifted to a very talented musician and special friend to further the enjoyment of polka music everywhere!
Lyle’s faith was very strong. He arranged many a Holy Mass at the Holy Hill Basilica for the benefit of relatives and friends. He always led a special prayer before meals when the family gathered. Lyle was proud of all of his children’s accomplishments and always encouraged each of them to do their best as it would serve them well.
Lyle found his niche in heavy manufacturing and completed his 25+ year career at Modern Equipment in Port Washington as a welder / fabricator. Lyle had a mechanical aptitude and enjoyed working with his hands. Lyle also spent a number of years as a route salesman for Tri-Par Oil Co. He had a love of Simplicity tractors and attachments, all of which were put to good use to beautify the property of the home he built with love.
The family will greet friends and relatives on Friday, June 27 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Newburg, from 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. A Holy Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. with burial to immediately follow in Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery, Newburg.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Holy Hill Basilica and National Shrine of Mary.
The Schmidt Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
Lyle was a neighbor when I was young. We would enjoy hearing Bernie and his Jolly Lads practice in the summer! RIP Lyle!