Lyle "Bear" Wilt

Lyle and Elise’s service will be livestreamed and viewable below at 2:00 PM (CST) Friday, October 18, 2024:

Lyle Edward Wilt, affectionately known as “Bear”, and Elise “Liz” Wilt, inseparable partners for over six decades, are tragically absent from the world after a car accident that ended their lives in October of 2024.

Bear was born on March 15, 1939, in Mahnomen, Minnesota, the son of Joseph and Evelyn Wilt. Following his schooling at Jesse Country School in Mahnomen County, MN, he worked on the family farm before dedicating himself to the United States Army, eventually finding himself stationed in Germany, where his path crossed with Liz, his beloved. Elise “Liz” Dorothea Nachtrab was born January 21, 1941, in Speckheim, Germany to Johann and Dorothea (Destner) Nachtrab.

Bear and Liz’s romance blossomed and on October 18, 1963, they united in marriage amidst the backdrop of Bear’s military service in Germany. The birth of their sons, Ed, in August of 1964, and Richard in April of 1966, heralded a new chapter as they navigated military life, stationed in various posts such as Ft. Ord, California, Ft. Knox, Kentucky, and Ft. Carson, Colorado.

With their family complete, they traveled and moved around the globe, creating memories in Germany, France, Austria, and beyond, their bond only strengthened. During his time in the service, Bear served four tours overseas in Vietnam and Germany. When it was time to put in his preferences regarding where he would be stationed, he selflessly chose Germany so Liz could be near her family. While stationed in Vietnam in 1967, Bear was the recipient of a Purple Heart for his personal sacrifice and heroism. After twenty years of service, Bear retired in 1980. Bear went onto work at Fredrikson Orthopedics (eventually Healthcare Accessories) for 20 years before retiring in 2000.

While Bear was serving his country, Liz found herself busy raising their children and working. She taught herself the English language while Bear was in Vietnam. She was incredibly proud of receiving her US citizenship in 1971, coming in at the top of her class. While in Germany, Liz worked at the military commissary. While living in Fargo, she often worked in food service such as serving lunches at South High School and worked at Swanson Health Products in Fargo, ND until her retirement in 2003. Liz enjoyed crocheting, knitting, and sewing her children and herself clothing.

Commencing a new chapter in their lives post-retirement, they settled on the serene shores of Turtle Lake, MN, where they embraced retirement, reveling in gardening, always showcasing a meticulous yard, canning, fishing, and welcoming loved ones into their home, likely to play a game of spades, dice, or cribbage. Bear and Liz loved being on the lake and appreciated their Turtle Lake community.

Their shared passions, from cooking to traveling, knitting them closer each year. As their journey took them across the globe, from the fishing adventures in Canada to vibrant Cancun, Bear and Liz crafted memories that would forever endure.

They are survived by their children, Ed (Trish McLaughlin) Wilt and Richard (Laurie) Wilt; their beloved cat, Tiger; Lyle’s siblings, Gladys McFarlane, Rosie Kolrud; niece and nephews, Larry (Brenda) Freyholtz, Joanne (Arden) Lemley, Clifford (Ana Banaag) Wilt, Jeanette (Paul) Stock, Arlen (Cheryl) Jallo, and Laurie (Brenda) Jallo; niece-in-law, Penny Jallo; Elise’s brother-in-law, Heinrich Fichtner; and nieces, Manuela (Helmut) Eder and Monika (Gerhard) Uhl.

They were preceded in death by their parents, Elise’s siblings, Erica Fichtner and Matthew Nachtrab; Lyle’s siblings, Edward Wilt, Iris (Don) Gust, Clarence (Edith) Wilt, Marcie (Bud) Jallo; brothers-in-law, Art Kolrud and John McFarlane; and nephews, Theodore Wilt and Dean Jallo.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred Cat’s Cradle Shelter, 9 9th St S, Fargo, ND 58103.

Joint Memorial Service: 2:00 P.M. Friday, October 18, 2024, at Boulger Funeral Home & Celebration of Life Center, Fargo with the visitation beginning at 1:00 P.M.