Lyle Arthur Schenck passed away peacefully on September 19, 2026, at Rose Arbor hospice in Kalamazoo, MI. Lyle was born in Marshall, MI on March 3,1939 to parents Arthur and Hazel Schenck. In 1957, he proudly graduated from Olivet High School where Lyle once scored a record-breaking 17 points in a single basketball game!

Lyle graduated from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI with two masters. A family joke is he would have kept on earning degrees but for meeting the love of his life, Sylvia Darlene Hill on a blind date arranged by close friends in Kalamazoo. This first date in 1966 was the beginning of a beautiful life-long romance which culminated in 56 devoted years of marriage.

Lyle’s passion for people combined with boundless energy, work ethic, and love for his family carried through every chapter of his life. For decades, Lyle was a speech therapist at Portage Public Schools which was not only a profession, but a calling. Lyle found inventive ways to encourage his students to advance their verbal skills such as board games, pretending to be Bert and Ernie (mimicking the actual voices of each), and card games galore. He passed on his love of learning in countless, loving ways to his kids and grandkids.

Somehow, finding the time while raising a family and working full time as a speech therapist, Lyle was also one of the original group of realtors for Chuck Jaqua Realtors. Chuck and Lyle were close friends from their Western Michigan days - their combined kinetic energy and zeal to succeed in the beginning years of Chuck Jaqua Realtors must have been something to behold.

Throughout his life, Lyle loved music, particularly his beloved cornet. After retirement, he doubled down by participating in two bands sponsored by the Portage Senior Center. He was known for being able to “impromptu” harmonize with other players in the “Jazzy Vibes” band. Lyle and Dar loved to drive out to South Haven for sunsets where he would play taps on his cornet as the sun went down.

Lyle was a devoted father to Laura O’Donnell (née Schenck) (Dallas, TX), Linda Hodgins (née Schenck) (Grandville, MI) and Kevin Schenck (St. Clair Shores, MI). He was a proud grandfather to Riley and Connor O’Donnell, Carson and Taylor Hodgins, and Desiree, Abraham, and Levi Schenck, the seven of whom range from 24 to 4 years old. He will be greatly missed by all.

Finally, “Team Lyle” wants to give a special, heartfelt thank you to his caregivers. They cared for him as if he was their own father, maintaining his comfort, dignity, and sense of humor throughout it all. They will be missed as well.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, Lyle’s loved ones consider a donation to the First Methodist Church in Kalamazoo, MI; Rose Arbor hospice in Kalamazoo, MI; or the ALS Foundation. To honor Lyle, a celebration of life is being planned in the spring. More details to follow.

While visiting Lyle’s webpage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guestbook and/or share a memory with the family.

The family is being assisted by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 5975 Lovers Lane in Portage, MI 49002, (269 344-5600).