Lyle Knudsen, 81, of Bainville, MT, passed away on Thursday, May 5, 2022 at the Billings Clinic in Billings, MT.

Lyle Hartvig Knudsen was born on February 20, 1941 to Hartvig and Hazel Knudsen. His father passed away when Lyle was just 5 years old. He was raised on the family farm just north of Bainville along with his siblings Gerald, Wayne, Naoma, Beulah, and Orabelle. Faith and family helped them through those tough times.

Lyle attended Bainville School and graduated in 1959. After high school he worked as a farm hand and in 1961 his sister Beulah introduced him to a coworker named Mary Madson. They were a perfect match and in 1962 they were married in Ronan, Montana. They farmed north of Lanark and started a family. In that same year Lyle joined the Montana National Guard. He was honorably discharged in 1968 with the rank of E-5. He proved to be a good role model as his three boys all joined the National Guard when they got older. In 1970 Lyle moved his family to Ronan, Montana where he worked as a Shop Foreman for a Chrysler dealership.

Eastern Montana called them back to Bainville in the mid 70’s where Lyle started Knudsen Repair Center where the Welcome Stop is presently located. Lyle decided to get into the oil business in the 80’s and started Knudsen Contract Pumping. Along with his sons, Lyle worked many years in the oilfield and also worked as a school bus mechanic and bus driver for the Bainville School. Lyle was mechanically minded and because of that talent many people would call or stop by the house asking questions about their vehicle issues for years after the repair shop had closed.

Lyle was a hardworking man his entire life. He found joy in the simple things each day. He enjoyed deer hunting, toe tapping gospel music, and following the activities and growth of his grandchildren.

Lyle was an active member of Bainville Faith Fellowship Church. He along with other members helped to purchase, move, and setup the church in its current location. Lyle loved to travel with Mary whether it was on an Alaskan cruise, to see his sister Beulah in California, or on the back roads of Montana. He would take Mary almost daily to the Welcome Stop for coffee and a visit with friends followed by a drive in the side by side to check on the town. He was a good and true partner.

Lyle was preceded in death by his parents, Hartvig and Hazel; siblings, Gerald, Wayne, Naoma, and Orabelle, and daughter-in-law, Jayne.

Lyle is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Mary; sister, Beulah; daughter, Sherry Welty; sons, Lane, Mike (Melissa), and Brent; grandkids, Whitney and Tyler Welty, Joel (Kristen)and Seth (Mari) Knudsen, Christian and Torgun Knudsen; and great-grandkids, Jayne Knudsen and Lilah Welty as well as numerous nieces and nephews.