Lyle E. Abrahamson

Lyle E. Abrahamson, 88, formerly of Rochester, MN, passed to his eternal home on September 15, 2020. He was born in Story City, IA on August 31, 1932, the son of Lyle M. and Sylva (Rullestad) Abrahamson. The family lived in several Minnesota and Iowa rural communities during his boyhood with Lyle devoted to helping his four younger siblings wherever they lived. He graduated from Plymouth High School in 1950 and from Mason City Junior College in 1952. Lyle was drafted into the United States Army the same year and served in combat in the Korean Conflict.

After returning from the war, Lyle obtained a B.S. degree from Iowa State College and accepted employment as a livestock buyer with the Rath Packing Company upon graduation in 1957. On June 25, 1961, Lyle married Zoe Ann Thoreson. They lived in Cresco until moving to Eagle Grove in 1966, where Lyle became the cashier of Security Savings Bank and enrolled in the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Lyle completed the graduate program in Madison and went on to become Vice President of Iowa Trust and Savings Bank of Oskaloosa, Executive Vice President of Nevada National Bank, President of First State Bank of Britt, and President of Hawkeye Bank in Lake Mills. Lyle and Zoe moved to Red Wing, MN in 1993 while Lyle worked as Executive Vice President of Goodhue State Bank until his retirement. Lyle and Zoe relocated to Rochester and enjoyed seventeen years while active in the Rochester First Presbyterian Church where Lyle regularly attended Bible study and Sunday classes and served as a deacon and usher. Lyle and Zoe recently moved to the Des Moines area to be near family.

Lyle is survived by his wife, Zoe; three children: Heidi (Rod) Foster of Clive, Joel (Miriam Gustafson) Abrahamson of St. Louis Park, MN and Dr. Timothy (Lisa) Abrahamson of Van Meter; seven grandchildren: Dr. Austin Foster, Dr. Collin Foster, Cyrus Abrahamson, Axel Abrahamson, Elsa Abrahamson, Ian Abrahamson and Maia Abrahamson; brothers, Stan (Jo) Abrahamson of Tallahassee, FL and Richard (Jean) Abrahamson of Edmund OK; brothers-in-law, Dr. J. D. (Jill) Thoreson of Mason City and Richard (Lucy Brown) Thoreson of Washington, D.C.; and thirteen nieces and nephews. Lyle was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Don; sister, Mary; sister-in law, Jan; brother-in-law, Rolland; and two nephews.

Lyle was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Throughout his banking career, he was known for his leadership, integrity, and thoughtfulness of others. His religious faith always guided his decisions and impacted his involvement in various activities, including community and charitable fund drives, Rotary, Kiwanis Club and the Democratic Party.

The family is very grateful for the care provided by Everystep and Unity Point (Taylor House) Hospice Organizations, a bright spot in the midst of the Covid-19 isolation and decline for Lyle, as he battled dementia. In recent months, Lyle was blessed by the friendship, compassion and concern of David and Stacey Abrahamson, Shannon Giles, Devonny Goodman, and Steve Schafer, for whom we are grateful.

Lyle was committed to leaving the world a better place, even if he did not derive personal benefit, and was a strong supporter of his church, musical arts and social justice causes. Memorials may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church of Rochester, MN, Taylor Hospice House in Des Moines, IA, Commonweal Theatre of Lanesboro, MN, or the donor’s choice. Condolences may be sent to the family c/o:

Zoe Ann Abrahamson
1701 Campus Drive
Apt. 3411
Clive, IA 50325

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