Lyle M. Tiensvold, 69, of Bigfork, passed away at his home on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2005, from natural causes.

He was born on Sept. 29, 1936, at Rushville, Neb., to Leonard D. and Jean Britton Tiensvold. He attended school in Polson, and graduated from Bigfork High School in 1953. Lyle served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957 as a paratrooper stationed in Germany.

Lyle received his teaching degree at Northern Montana College and his master's degree from Montana State University. He taught at Missoula Technical Center for 10 years and was the owner of Green Mountain Cherry Orchard. He married Nancy Louise DeYoung at Yellow Bay in 1960.

Lyle was past president of the Flathead Cherry Growers Association and a member of the Lutheran Church.

His parents Leonard and Jean Britton Tiensvold preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Louise Tiensvold of Bigfork; a daughter, Gail Tiensvold of Denver; sons, Leonard and Vern Tiensvold of Crocker, Mo., Steve and Christine Tiensvold of Salt Lake City, and Mike and Kelly Tiensvold of the East Lake Shore; and sisters, Margaret Olmstead of Boise, Idaho, and Joni Hanson of Charlo; along with numerous grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22, in the Yellow Bay Club House with Rev. Ron Pierce officiating.

Cremation has taken place.

Memorials in Lyle's name may be made to the Salvation Army or the Yellow Bay Club House.

Arrangements and cremation under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home, Polson.