Lyle “Robert” Lean

A loving family man…

Beloved husband, dad, grandpa, great grandpa, brother, brother-in-law and uncle. Age 89, of Roseville, MN, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2026, surrounded by his family at his bedside.

Born January 22, 1937, to Melvin & Mildred (Lewis) Lean, he grew up on a farm in Ivanhoe, MN, located in western Minnesota near the South Dakota border. In 1960 he joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Hawaii as a Medic. By 1967 he had returned to St. Paul, MN. He settled in St. Paul working as a bricklayer/mason. He worked for 30 years for Jesco Masonry and Stellar Concrete & Masonry until his retirement in 1997, and he was a member of the Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local Union 1 for 50 years. Even after retirement, he continued to meet his former coworkers for coffee and conversation at Perkins the first Wednesday of every month.

His first marriage resulted in the birth of his son Todd, who was special needs. He took amazing care of Todd and really looked after him until Todd’s sudden passing on Christmas Day 2022. He took Todd to his appointments, grocery shopping and always ensured he had what was needed. With his support and guidance, Todd was able to live independently in his own apartment for over 30 years. No one could have been a better dad to Todd; he made sure Todd was loved and cared for all of his life.

Lyle and Diane enjoyed life together over the years- traveling multiple times to Las Vegas and other places in the United States, playing cards and attending family get-togethers. Whether a family member or friend, he was always willing to help when he could.

He loved his grandchildren and supported them however he was able-for example, attending one granddaughter’s ice-skating practices and competitions, and driving another granddaughter back and forth to school everyday, so she could earn her GED.

Lyle was an avid card player (cribbage, poker and various others), he met “the Guys” at the local McDonalds every Friday morning for coffee and cribbage. He was a lifelong WWE wrestling fan and watched wrestling every chance he could. He also enjoyed watching TV, especially old western movies. He was an avid gardener and took great pride in starting a community garden at their Midland Grove condo 19 years ago when they moved in. The garden will live on for years to come.

Lyle was one of a kind. He will be greatly missed but will live forever in our hearts.

Survived by his loving wife of 37 years Diane; bonus children, Christine (Lyle) Malecha, James (Julie) Schaetzel and Kimberly (Ken) Wallisch; 11 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; sister, Leola Clasen; brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Mildred Lean; son Todd; sister Audrey; and brothers Marlo, Donald and Francis.

memorial service

Celebration of Life

June 7, 2026

Rosetown American Legion 700 County Rd C West, Roseville, MN 55113, USA

Noon - 3 PM - lower level

Handicap parking is available at the lower building level for those who cannot climb stairs.

Private Interment with family

Fort Snelling National Cemetery

Date to be determined.

A special thank you to Molly, his personal care giver over the last year from Life Spark and to the nurses and aids at the HealthPartners Hospice and Bereavement Services.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services