Lyle D. Zorger

With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around him, Lyle Zorger was a no-frills sort of guy who made the most of the days he was given while holding his loved ones close to his heart. He was the sort of person who could find the silver lining along any black cloud, and he never let life get the best of him. It was no secret that Lyle shared his life with his true love, and together they experienced countless moments that only deepened their love further. A farmer through and through, he worked hard every single day of his life, inspiring all who were near. Lyle will never be forgotten, but he leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever cherish.

The 1930s brought us some of the most challenging days we have faced as a nation as the entire decade was cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression. Jobs were scarce, which sent the unemployment rate soaring to over 25 percent. As a result, there were few Americans who didnt feel the strain, and there were numerous families who lost everything they had. Despite the challenges around them, Dewey Emmanuel and Bessie (Studer) Zorger, were filled with great anticipation as they awaited the birth of their new baby as the promise of spring arrived in Allen County, Indiana. The big day finally arrived when the baby boy they named Lyle D. drew his first breath on April 1, 1932. He was one of seven children in his family and spent his entire life in Allen and Whitley Counties.

In many ways, Lyle was a young boy of his generation. He enjoyed playing basketball while growing up, and as a teen and young adult he played on a church softball league. A lifelong outdoorsman, Lyle also enjoyed fishing and farming. Lyle attended local schools including Jefferson Center High School.

New and exciting changes were in store for Lyle when he met the young woman of his dreams. Her name was Maxine M. Selking, and sparks flew right from the start. It wasnt long before the couple found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together, Lyle and Maxine were married on August 15, 1964, in Fort Emmaus Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne. Together they were blessed to welcome the baby girl they named Kelly Jean, whom they raised in a loving home. To support his family, Lyle spent his life working as a grain and livestock farmer as he raised hogs, rabbits, chickens, and dairy cattle. He also spent 41 years working as a school bus driver for Southwest Allen County Schools.

Throughout his life, many of Lyles interests revolved around his lifelong love for the outdoors. In his early years, he enjoyed raccoon hunting, but he always remained an avid fisherman. Skilled and hardworking, Lyle was often the one everyone came to if they needed to lay field tile. Over the years he often did this for his neighbors in addition to doing it for himself. During his later years, Lyle enjoyed gardening and could often be found out weeding, pruning, watering, and tending to his gardens. When looking to relax, he enjoyed classic movies, westerns, and country music. For years, Lyle regularly attended Dunfee Missionary Church in Dunfee and The Chapel in Fort Wayne.

In everything he did, Lyle Zorger gave it his all, and his first thought was of others. He was a firm believer in making the world around him a better place, and he remained positive even when the storms of life came his way. Lyle was never one to worry about the things of this world, rather, his focus was on living fully in the moments he was given. He will never be forgotten.

Lyle D. Zorger, of Fort Wayne, IN, died at 5:45 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2015, at Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home, Fort Wayne. Lyles family includes his daughter, Kelly Jean Zorger of Fort Wayne; sister, Jean (Earl) Auld of Avilla; and brothers Norman (Gloria) Zorger and Keith (Donna) Zorger, both of Spencerville, IN. Lyle was preceded in death by his parents, Dewey and Bessie Zorger; wife, Maxine Zorger in 2011; and brothers, Lavern, Marvin, and Jerry Zorger. Friends may call on Tuesday, August 4, 2015, from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services for Lyle will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday August 5, 2015 at the funeral home with calling one hour prior to service. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Fort Wayne. Memorial contributions in memory of Lyle may be made to Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home or to Dunfee Missionary Church. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.