Lyle B. Quinn

Lyle Brouse Quinn was born on November 26, 1918 in Fairbury, Nebraska as the first-born child of Leo Fredrick Quinn and Jessie Brouse Quinn. The grandson of Jefferson County pioneers; he spent most of his life in Fairbury. His early education was in the Fairbury Public School system. He continued his education at Doane College in Crete, Nebraska and graduated in 1941 with a degree in Physics.

He was working in the Message Center in Washington, D.C. when Pearl Harbor was attacked late that same year. He spent the rest of World War II in the Army, serving as a radar technician on a Liberty Ship in the Pacific theater. His unit waded into Japan after the surrender of that country.

Lyle married Irene Kostlan Niedfelt in 1957. She preceded him in death in 2007.

He is survived by their four children; Dr. James Quinn and wife Susan of Nebraska City, Nebraska; Mary Beadle of Columbia, Missouri; Mike Quinn and wife Julie of Fairbury; John Quinn and wife Darcy of Havana, Florida; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; sister Mary Frances Quinn Kenney of Columbia, Missouri. He leaves numerous extended family as well as a host of friends and long-time associates.

In addition to his family, a major life interest for Lyle was Amateur Radio work. He earned his radio license as a teenager and continued to be active in that work until recent years. His call letters, WOUS, indicate by the zero, that lowest number of any operator in the United States. This lifelong interest and public service was always a matter of quiet pride for him. Before the advent of the Internet, “Ham” radio operators were essential to communication during emergencies and disasters.

Lyle was an appreciated businessman and booster for his hometown, state, and country. He was an avid follower of Nebraska Cornhusker sports, both men and women. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.

Services will be Saturday, April 16, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Fairbury with Darlene Novotny officiating. Memorials will go to the Family’s Choice. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home in Fairbury is in charge of arrangements.