Lyle Charles Hauger

Lyle Charles Hauger, age 83, of Irene, South Dakota, died unexpectedly on Saturday, July 25, 2026 in his home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM, on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at St. Columba Church in rural Irene with Father Bob Lacey and Father Gary Coulter officiating. Burial will be in the St. Columba Cemetery. Visitation is from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, on Wednesday, July 29 at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton with a vigil service at 7:00 PM. Visitation continues one hour prior to the Mass on Thursday.

Memorials may be directed to St. Columba Cemetery at 29447 444th Avenue, Irene, SD 57037.

Lyle was born in Yankton, South Dakota on November 5, 1942, the son of Peter and Mary (Freimuth) Hauger. He attended grade school at Sunrise Country School and then Irene High School. He learned his love for the land, livestock, and tractors at an early age. He was active in 4-H and received several purple ribbons for showing pure bred hogs. Following graduation Lyle worked with his parents on the farm and helped his two brothers start their farms. He worked with his brother, Willis, doing custom combining and baling.

Lyle met Jean Van Well in Utica, while she was attending Sacred Heart School of Nursing. Lyle and Jean were united in marriage on April 11, 1964 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church (Cathedral of the Prairies) in Hoven, SD. To this union were born Cheryl Marie, Carol Ann and Dale Gregory.

Lyle and Jean were a team with the animals, land and farm equipment, as well as being lifelong members at the St. Columba Catholic Church. Lyle was involved with the parish and on the Council, Treasurer and Maintenance of the church yard and cemetery. A lifelong farmer, he rose before the sun for decades, believing there was no substitute for honest labor and no better life than one who lived close to the land. His fields reflected the discipline he brought every day, and his word as dependable as the changing season. Lyle lived his faith not through grand gestures but through steadfast commitment to his family, church and community. He believed in doing what was right, keeping his promises and lending a hand when needed.

Those who knew him best understood that beneath his serious exterior was a man of deep loyalty, quiet generosity and unwavering love for his family and friends. His approval was earned, but one given, it meant the world. The farm was where he felt most at home. He understood the rhythm of planting and harvest, the uncertainty of weather and the satisfaction that comes from a day’s work done right. He took pride in well-kept equipment, straight fences and fields that reflected the care he gave them. When he took a break from the farm he found enjoyment around the pinochle table with the card club. He played with quiet confidence, watched every card and never gave away more than he intended. He wasn’t one to wear his heart on his sleeve and wasn’t quick with compliments or displays of affection. However, his family knew where they stood with a man who loved them deeply and worked tirelessly to provide them with every opportunity he could. There was a silent smile when the grandchildren that he loved were around.

Lyle will be greatly missed by his wife, Jean; daughter, Carol (Jim) Stehlik; four grandchildren, Laura, Renee, Janessa and James Stehlik, Jr. and many nieces, nephews and cousins, whenever they hear the rumble of a Case tractor before dawn, gather around a card playing table or kneel together in prayer.

He is preceded in death by two infant children, Cheryl and Dale; his parents; two brothers, Willis and LeRoy Hauger; four sisters, Lucille Mason, Phyllis, Clarice and Mary Helen Hauger; parents-in-law, Jake & Francis Van Well; three sisters-in-law, Delores and Lois Hauger, and Linda Van Well; two brothers-in-law, Bob Mason and Roy Van Well and four nephews, Rodney Hauger, Gary Mason, Ken Hubble, and Dustin Van Well.

His work is finished, his cards have been laid down and his harvest is complete. May he rest in the peace of Christ.