Lyle Curtis Haakenson

Visitation will be held at The Runge Mortuary 838 East Kimberly Rd. Davenport, IA, 52807, on May 26, 2026, from 9:00am to 11:00am. Afterwards, the family will host a luncheon from 11:30am to 1:30pm at The Columbus Club, 1111 W. 35th St. Davenport, IA. Burial will take place at Buckeye Cemetery in Preston, IA, on May 26, 2026 at 2:30pm. Memorials may be made in Lyle's name to St. Jude Children's Hospital. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.rungemortuary.com

Lyle was born on October 20, 1939, to Herman and Alice Haakenson in Bismarck, North Dakota. He met Patricia Thompson through the Inbees singles group and they were united in marriage on August 31, 1974. They were blessed with two children, Michael and Lisa.

Growing up, Lyle would acquire a love for fishing which would become a lifetime hobby. He helped run his father's car mechanic shop as a teen and then went on to graduate from North Dakota State University in 1961.

Lyle's attention to detail and analytical thinking led him to a career with the US government as a contract specialist. He worked at many locations and finished his 31 year career at the Rock Island Arsenal.

Lyle enjoyed entering sweepstakes, dominating carnival games, emptying the stuffed animal claw machines and donating lots of his prizes. He took pride in his pristine lawn and vibrant, lush gardens. Lyle was a light artist who created holiday cheer with his animated Christmas Light Display at his home from 1975 to 1997.

He retired from the Rock Island Arsenal in 1993; but kept busy volunteering, fishing, traveling and enjoying life. Lyle continued his passion for christmas lights by decorating boats in the Venetian Boat Parade and lighting up Fejervary Zoo for nearly a decade. Lyle will always be remembered for his warmth, authenticity and radiant smile. He lifted everyone around him with his unwavering positivity and a heart always ready to help. He had so many amazing stories and would strike up conversation with anyone who would listen.

Lyle is survived by his wife, Patricia; son, Michael (Felicia) Haakenson of Davenport, Iowa; daughter, Lisa (Jake) Williams of Olathe, Kansas; grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Benjamin Haakenson, Riley and Meadow Williams; brother, Marlan(Barb) Haakenson of Bismarck, North Dakota; sister, Karen(Virgil) Mueller of Fargo, North Dakota.

He was preceded in death by his parents.