Lyle A. Rudningen, age 62, of Clearwater, died Thursday, January 4th, 2024, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer surrounded by the love of his family.

Funeral Services were held Friday, January 12, 2024, at Rejoice Lutheran Church, Clearwater, with Rev. Susan Debner officiating. Burial followed. Visitation was held on Thursday and Friday, both at his church home where he was an active member for 28 years. A prayer service was held at 7 pm following Thursday’s visitation.

Lyle Allen Rudningen was born on February 23, 1961, to DeLoyd and Audrey (Lunder) Rudningen in Benson, Minnesota. His story started as a hard-working farmboy in Sunburg, MN. He attended school in Brooten, graduating in 1979. He then furthered his education at Willmar Technical College with a degree in Electronics in 1981. On June 6, 1981, Lyle was united in marriage to the love of his life, Janelle Erickson, at Ellsborough Lutheran Church in rural Balaton, MN. They lived in White Bear Lake for 14 years. In 1995, Lyle and Janelle built their dream home on Long Lake with their children, Kyle and Karin, where they have lived for the past 28 years.

Lyle became a field service engineer for Beckman Coulter at 20 years old and was still with them until his death 42 years later. He has been one of their top engineers nationally and has won numerous awards. He is known throughout the company for his ability to fix anything and being a great mentor and friend. 

Lyle was known for being social. He could make meaningful connections with a stranger within five minutes. He genuinely cared about people and could remember nearly all the details of their lives. He was a caring father, attending all of his children’s games and events. Despite being incredibly intelligent, he couldn’t afford college when he was a young man, so he wanted to give more opportunities to his children. He had so much pride in his children and enjoyed telling friends and colleagues about his son’s work as a physician and his daughter’s work as a pharmacist. Lyle was an incredible husband. He enjoyed traveling with Janelle, especially to warm tropical locations like Hawaii and Mexico. He loved summers on Long Lake and entertaining friends with sunset rides, teaching others how to waterski, and entertaining his grandkids. His grandchildren loved to get rides on his four-wheeler, tractor, and motorcycle as well as boating, trips to the Swappers Meet, and ending the day with a bonfire or root beer float. 

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Janelle, of Clearwater; children, Dr. Kyle (Amanda) Rudningen of Clearwater and Dr. Karin (Aaron) Josephson of Stillwater; his grandchildren, Evan, William, Ella, Leif, and Magnus; siblings, LuAnn Rudningen (Val Roberts) and Donna (Larry) Miller; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends and colleagues. He was preceded in death by his parents, DeLoyd and Audrey; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Carroll and Arlys Erickson; brother, Dean Rudningen; and sister-in-law, Karen Rudningen.

Scott Wiig, Steve Hedrick, Scott Rudningen, Drew Goracke, Greg Koenigs, Ken Maehren, Eric Nickolauson, and Scott Scharmer served as casket bearers. Nicole Heberling and Pastor Dave Nelson provided music for the service. Arrangements entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Annandale.

Obituary, Guestbook, Video Tribute and Funeral Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.