Leonard Gerald 'Grandpa' Lytle

Leonard Gerald Grandpa Lytle, 86, passed from this life on Dec. 25, 2009, peacefully in his home with family at his side. He was born in York, Neb., on Oct. 23, 1923, to Stanley William and Anna Catherine Reiners Lytle. He lived in York until 1940 when his family moved to Buhl, Idaho, where he graduated from high school in 1942. As a young man, Leonard was a star running back on his high school football team and a center fielder on his baseball team, receiving a scholarship to Pocatello, Idaho, to play football. He was also a lightweight Golden Glove boxer. Leonard began working for Missoula Livestock in 1945 and then became a brand inspector for the state of Montana in 1956, spending several years after in Missoula, Lewistown and Billings. In 1974, he purchased Missoula Livestock and enjoyed this venture until the unexpected death of his partner, requiring the sale of the business in 1976. He remained foreman for many years until retirement. Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, one sister and his wife, Joan. He is survived by his son, Marty Lytle, and his daughter, Lorri, and her husband, Tim O Neill, all of Arlee; granddaughters Katelyn Lytle of Missoula, Alyssa Cahoon and her husband, Daniel, of Charlo; and grandsons Wyatt and Webb O Neill of Arlee. A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29, at Foster Funeral Home in St. Ignatius. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30, in the Arlee High School gymnasium, followed by a pot luck gathering at the Arlee Brown Building. Burial will be held at a later date with a private family service.