It is with heavy hearts we share the passing of Lyle Wayne Zuleger, who died peacefully surrounded by family on September 14, 2026. Lyle was born in Nichols, WI on October 1, 1943 to Richard and LaRhea Zuleger into a large family of 11 children. He attended a one-room school house for primary school and graduated from Shiocton High School in 1961. Lyle met Jean Schindhelm in January of 1964. He left for service in the United States Air Force in Sept of the same year. The couple became engaged in 1966 and married June 13, 1967. After completing his tour of duty, he attended UW-Stout and graduated in 1971 with a degree in Industrial Management, working in transportation at Gunderson Chevrolet, Menasha Corporation, and Sara Lee for 35 years. Together the couple was blessed with five children and later in life Lyle was delighted to be reunited with his biological daughter. Lyle also held a deeply special place in his heart for his late nephews, their mom, and his special needs sister-in-law, all of whom he welcomed as a natural part of his family. In addition, the family hosted an exchange student from Columbia in 1991 to whom he became a father figure and maintained a relationship as her “Dad” for the remainder of his life.

While his children were young, many happy hours were spent playing yard games, swimming in the pool, playing board games and reading books. He also enjoyed long vacations, often driving the family across the country in their van. As the children aged, Lyle was always in attendance for every sporting event and activity in which his children participated. He continued to enjoy attending activities when he was blessed with 7 grandchildren. Lyle was an avid sports fan, following the Packers and Badgers. Lyle’s personal domain was his backyard. He was meticulous about his grass, landscaping and garden. He loved a clean pool and spent many hours grilling. In the summertime, you could find him sitting and admiring his yard with a Manhattan in hand.

Lyle was involved in several organizations and activities, volunteering his time on the school board for St. Mary Grade School, the committee to form Seton Middle School, the Knights of Columbus, the Salvation Army, and reading mentorship for grade school aged children.

Lyle found great joy in his retirement as a school bus driver. He loved taking students to field trips and sporting events, interacting with kids and parents, and watching the games.

Jean and Lyle were avid travelers, domestic and international, achieving their goal of visiting all 50 states. Lyle’s favorite destinations were any place with mountains, loving the Tetons and the Canadian Rockies in particular.

Lyle’s faith was important to him throughout his life, ensuring his children attended church and Catholic school. Most recently Lyle found great community and meaning at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. He often talked about fellow parishioners and the joy he felt seeing them weekly.

Lyle also found community and socialization through his memberships at various gyms, often saying he had to go at a specific time to see his gym friends.

In December of 2020, Lyle was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and underwent treatment. The results left him with many other hurdles, including partial paralysis and many complications. Despite this and through many hospitalizations, he never had a complaint. He often minimized the seriousness, continued to overcome as an act of sheer will, determined to continue as active a life as possible. If you expressed concern about his health, he’d say “stop worrying, I’m fine. I feel great.”

Lyle is survived by his wife, Jean Zuleger (Schindhelm); children, Dorene (Eric) Johnson, Kimberly (Mark) Herman, Bob (Christie) Zuleger, Jennifer Zuleger, Shari (Aaron) Signer, Jeremy Zuleger and Bibiana Martinez Roman; special sisters-in-law Judy Buchanan and Mary Schindhelm; grandchildren, Jacki (Mitchell), Jessie (Noah), Marissa (Dakota), Celia (fiancé Geoff), Sam, Ella, and Connor; as well as a large family of siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Lyle was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and LaRhea Zuleger; brothers, Roger and Donald Zuleger; sisters, Lorraine Catt and Beverly Diemel; brothers-in-law, Leroy Catt, Jerry Diemel, and Butch Toonen; sisters-in-law, Judy Zuleger and Diane Zuleger; niece, LouAnn Joichim; nephews, David and Steven Toonen; step-brother, Jack Zuleger; and step-sister, Doris Shepard.

The family would like to thank Michelle Wynveen at Calumet County Veterans Services for being a fierce advocate and securing support for Lyle and Jean. We are so grateful for your help in his journey. Special thanks to the staff at the Appleton YMCA for always keeping an eye out on Lyle to ensure his safety. Finally, the family would like to thank Dr. Noelle LoConte and Dr. Patrick Pfau for their excellent care and the staff at St. Paul Elder Services, especially his favorite Physical Therapist, Danny, for helping Lyle to walk again and maintain his mobility.

Friends and family are welcome to attend funeral services on October 9 at St. Patrick’s Parish at 324 Nicolet Boulevard, Menasha, WI with visitation from 9:00-11:00 am and funeral mass at 11:00 am with luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Neenah-Menasha St. Vincent de Paul.