Lyle E. Kensler

Lyle E. Kensler passed away from kidney stone complications on June 1, 2024 in Kennewick, Wash. surrounded by family. 

 Lyle was born on Sept. 22, 1941 to Earl and Flora Kensler in Dupree, South Dakota. 

 On Jan. 19, 1963, Lyle married Janell (Cloud) Kensler in Payette, Idaho.

 Lyle had great memories of growing up and hunting with his dad every weekend and sharing the meat with family and friends. Later he moved to Payette, Idaho where he graduated from high school and met and married Janell. 

 In 1975, he and Janell moved their family to Weiser, Idaho where he worked as a State Farm Insurance Agent before being promoted to Agency Field Executive and moving to Kennewick, Wash. in 1993. He held that position until his retirement in 2006.

 Lyle enjoyed golfing, woodworking and joining his buddies for coffee and donuts at his favorite spot, “Popular Donuts.” 

 He and Janell enjoyed many wonderful trips abroad. He especially loved his family’s annual hunting trip in South Dakota which he took with his sons and grandchildren and extended family and friends. 

 Every year, he and his sons and grandchildren would take apples, potatoes, and onions to share with all of the Lakota people on the Cheyenne River Sioux reservation of which he was an enrolled member. 

 Lyle left a legacy of generosity and kindness and wanted everyone to look for ways to love and care for each other.

 Lyle is survived by his wife of 61 years, Janell; sons Greg (Amy) and Phill (Lisa), grandchildren: Peter, Christopher, Kyler, Matthew, Marissa, Keaton, Abigail, Andrew and Adam, and great-grandchildren.

 Catholic Mass service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 20 at St. Joseph Parish Catholic Church, 520 S. Garfield St. in Kennewick, Wash. with a reception to follow.