Elwood "Chip" Lyslo
January 25, 1954 ~ November 5, 2024
Chip’s service will be livestreamed below at 3:00 pm, Saturday, November 9, 2024
With heavy hearts filled with cherished memories, we announce the passing of Elwood “Chip” LaVerne Lyslo on November 5, 2024. Chip, aged 70, left this world in the early morning hours at Essentia Hospital, leaving behind a legacy that touched the lives of many.
Born on January 25, 1954, Elwood, also known as “Chip” to many, spent his formative years in Plaza, North Dakota. He pursued his education diligently, attending Wahpeton Science, Moorhead State University, and Northwestern Chiropractic College. Chip began his professional journey practicing in Cambridge, MN, later settling in Moorhead for a teaching job to share his knowledge and wisdom with students for the rest of his illustrious career.
Aside from his dedication to education, Chip’s coaching prowess knew no bounds, as he guided numerous students in various sports including football, basketball, baseball, and golf, imprinting his values of hard work and resilience on each player he mentored. Recognized not only for his skills but his genuine care for others, Chip was revered by his peers and community members alike for his selfless demeanor and positive influence on all he encountered.
Chip is survived by his loving wife, Diana, his sons Derek and Brett, as well as his sisters Susan, Rose, Janell, and Elaine. Together, they remember him fondly as a devoted husband, father, brother, and friend, whose impact will forever resonate in their hearts.
The Lyslo family wishes to express their gratitude for the outpouring of prayers, love, and support they have received during this time of mourning. As they prepare to bid farewell to Chip, they find solace in the knowledge that his spirit now rests peacefully in the embrace of his faith.
As we mourn the loss of Chip Lyslo, we also celebrate his life of dedication, compassion, and unwavering kindness. His legacy will endure through the countless lives he touched, forever remembered with reverence and gratitude. He is at peace with Jesus in heaven.
Services
Visitation: November 9, 2024 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Memorial: November 9, 2024 3:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
I had the pleasure of working with Chip when he started at the old Junior High. My last 5 years at Horizon Middle School East where we worked in the same house. He was an amazing teacher and a fabulous friend. He would always tell me this “Jill, I do not need many friends.” He was very close to my daughter and consider her his daughter. She would come from the high school and sit in his classroom to talk. He went to her games and even adjusted her when she needed it. He was my “Work Husband”. Student would ask if we were married because when we talked we were always laughing. As a teacher he wanted all students to be successful and would do everything he could so they would be. He ran a tight classroom but students knew that he cared about them. My niece and him became
very close as well. Chip was like part of the family ❤️
If you were allowed into his group of friendships, he cherished those relationships and believed in them. He was supportive and spoke his mind. You always knew where you stood with him. He was kind, generous, loving friend. He loved his wife and talked about her so loving. He was so proud of his boys and their success. 💙.
Chip worked hard and wanted more for himself as always. Chip made a difference in every person that had the privilege of being in his group of friends. He made a difference in all the students he worked with. Wow! An amazing man that will be so missed. He was one-of-a- kind. 🙏🏻.
Vickie, Jason, Sammy and Haley
This is devastating. I met Chip and played college football with him about 50 years ago and have remained good friends since then. We went through Chiropractic School together as well. He was a devout friend and always placed his friends at a premium. He once drove for 4 hours to surprise me at my 60th birthday and then back home the same night! His integrity was superior. He was totally committed to Diana, Derek, and Brett and spoke of them often. He has left a deep hole in my life. He will be sorely missed by all and certainly me. Love you Chipper.
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Chip/Chipper! I worked and coached with Chip since the beginning of his career. He was a straight shooter who deeply cared about his students and athletes. However his family came first! May God’s loving arms wrap around all of you during this very difficult time. Alice/Swanny ❤️
I worked with Chip at Horizon and was fortunate to be a friend of his! He was so excited about retirement, this is so heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers to his wife and boys that he talked so highly of! Rest in peace Chip!
Chip was a cherished friend, mentor, and guiding light in my life. As my football coach, he taught me much more than the game; he instilled in me the values of discipline, perseverance, and integrity. His unwavering belief in my potential helped shape me into the adult I am today.
Beyond the field, Chip remained a steadfast friend, offering wisdom, laughter, and support through every chapter of my life. He was truly one of my favorite people.
He will be deeply missed. Rest in peace, Coach. Your impact will never be forgotten.
Chip and I became friends when I got hired to teach Social Studies in House 7B at Horizon Middle School in 2011. I was fortunate to be placed on a team with him and his good friend Dan Dahlvang. I ended up teaching next door to him for many years. Chip was my mentor and I learned so many life lessons from Mr. Lyslo! A few years later, my brother Josh got hired to teach Science at Horizon, and as luck would have it, Chip’s classroom was right between the both of us. I cannot even begin to explain how much brotherly love and bickering Chip was privileged to listen to…I think he really got a kick out of it!
When I got hired to coach girls basketball in Moorhead, Chip would regularly attend the games and became close friends with my dad. They shared a similar upbringing, temperament, and the ability to politely let referees know when they disagreed with a call! We went to Buffalo Wild Wings after every home game. I can still hear Chipper asking if we should “go have a cocktail” after the game.
Chip started to become a member of our family. He attended my kids’ birthday parties and became like a Grandpa to them. My kids loved getting Barnes and Nobles gift cards from Chip on their birthdays, as he was an avid reader and loved to pass along good books. We played golf together, went to games together, coached together…he was simply the best.
He loved his family and his boys so much! He talked about them all the time. A proud father and husband, an excellent teacher who held his students accountable to his high expectations, a coach, a mentor, a colleague, a dear friend…Chip was all of those things wrapped up into one!
I am trying my best to handle this with the mantra of “don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened”. My prayers go out to your whole family, and I have a good feeling Chip is enjoying a cocktail in heaven.
With Love,
I was saddened upon learning of Chip’s passing. During the twenty plus years working at the Jr High/Horizon schools I spent a lot of time in his room with students, talking sports, or borrowing books from his “library”. I’m pretty sure he had every Cussler book ever written. Dr Chip also helped me several times when my back needed readjustment. My prayers go out to his family and friends. Rest in peace Chipper.
So sorry for your loss. I was a classmate back in school in Plaza where we grew up. I had briefly talked to him in Plaza in July to find out we both lived in Fargo Moorhead area. I am praying for Gods loving arms to offer you comfort. God bless you all.
Prayers for your family. I remember Chip at all of the youth hockey games and visiting at the concession stand when he was there to watch the Spuds.
I was a 7B student of My Lyslo’s. He always had a way of making science class fun. I am sad to hear of his passing, he was a great teacher. Sending thoughts and prayers to his family in this time.
We are so sorry about Chip’s passing.
Hold all the good memories of him in your hearts forever.
Thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time 🙏🙏🙏
Love you all!💕💕💕
Mike and I were so shocked and heartbroken to hear that our good friend Chip passed away. I first met Chip at the old junior high where we both taught. Brett and Riley were in the same grade and played basketball together with Chip being their coach. I didn’t get to know him that well until we worked in House 7B together at the new middle school. It didn’t take long for our friendship to begin. I found him to be smart, interesting, funny and thoroughly enjoyed his “Chipisms”! I witnessed how much he cared about his students, taking care to provide the best instruction that met the needs of all learners. He was always open to modifications for my special needs kids and worked with me to make sure they were successful. He always asked about Mike and how our kids were doing. He took such a genuine interest in other’s lives. Chip was always available when I needed help with something or would just listen, whether it was school related or personal. Even though Chip was busy, he acted like he had all the time in the world if his friends needed him. I knew I could always count on him.
One year for Mike’s birthday in December, I told Chip that I was going to give him a gift of snow blowing/shoveling gear as he ultimately would come home after work and start the snow removal in his suit/tie, overcoat and dress shoes! Of course, Chip knew exactly what was needed and wanted to help. We agreed to meet at Fleet Farm on a Saturday and soon had a cartful of necessary clothes and accessories. As we were looking for one last item, we saw Mike in the store which was unusual because he didn’t frequent Fleet Farm! We were so worried that he’d see us and spoil the birthday surprise! We giggled and laughed as we were ducking and hiding in the aisles until we were in the clear. Mission accomplished!
There are so many stories and experiences that can be told. I am extremely grateful for Chip’s friendship and the years that we worked together. He will forever have a special place in my heart.
We are terribly sad that we could not attend his celebration of life as it would have been great to see the gang and reminisce about our friend. Know that Mike and I are celebrating and cherishing his memory today and always.
Diana, Brett, and Derrick, Chip loved you all very much. He spoke of you often and always with pride. Mike and I are mourning with you for the loss of our dear friend. We hope that your cherished memories will help you during this extremely difficult time. Chip will never be forgotten. Our deepest condolences, Mike and DeAnn Holm.
Mr. Lyslo never gave up on me. Every time I asked to make up a homework assignment or a test because of my poor attendance, he would work with me. I remember thinking he was really “tough” especially on the athletes he knew, but he did never put me down or yelled at me. After I eventually got through middle and high school, I enjoyed seeing Mr. Lyslo at the Taco Shop where I worked, he would ask how college was going or what my next plans were. I hope he knows I would not have gone anywhere in life without people like him, even though I didn’t know it at the time.
Today is a sad day, I will always remember Mr. “Chip” Lyslo! My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and coworkers. May you find some comfort knowing he made a difference in this world.