Lyle P. Weltch, 73, of Troy died Tuesday, May 22, 2007, at his home. Lyle was born in Eugene, Ore., to Addrow Weltch and Nina (Wilson) Weltch on May 13, 1934. He was raised and educated in Eugene and graduated from high school there, and later engaged in professional boxing for a short period of time.

He entered the U.S. Army, serving for 20 years on tours of duty at various places including Viet Nam in air defense artillery and was the recipient of two Purple Hearts.

After his military retirement, he returned to Eugene, working as a mechanic for the Porsche-Audi dealership.

He and his wife, Loretta, moved came to the Troy area 10 years ago, where Lyle enjoyed outdoor activities including fishing, hunting and snow skiing.

An example of his Christian servanthood, Lyle's favorite activity was helping other people, offering his ability to "fix anything" to those in need.

He was preceded in death by a son, Benjamin, in 1996.

Survivors include his wife, Loretta; his children, A.C. Illig of Eugene, Robert Weltch of San Diego, Rodney Weltch of Sandy, Ore., Rochelle Lang of Clarkston, Wash., and Michael Weltch of Springfield, Iowa; his siblings, George Weltch, Rosalie Richards, Earl Weltch, Betty Fore, Nancy Stuck, Timothy Weltch, David Weltch, and Danial Weltch; 11 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Services will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Nelson and Vial Funeral Home Chapel in Libby. Interment services with military honors will be afterward at Milnor Lake Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday.