Lyle R. Kuhnau, 86, of Sauk City, Wisconsin, passed away on December 7th, 2024.

Lyle was born on June 27, 1938, in Troy Township, the son of Alfred and Mabel (Paepke) Kuhnau. He grew up on the family farm on Cassel Prairie and attended a one-room schoolhouse near his home graduating from Prairie du Sac High School in 1956.

Following graduation, he started hauling can milk to Sauk City Creamery. While hauling milk he joined the Wisconsin National Guard (serving 6 years) one year on active duty. On December 28, 1961, Lyle married Dorothy (Richolson) at the First United Church of Christ in Sauk City. Together, they began 62 years of love and adventure.

After serving active duty in Ft. Louis, WA, Lyle and Dorothy returned to the family dairy farm and ran Zech & Kuhnau milk hauling business. Lyle spent 52 years driving trucks, serving farmers across southwest Wisconsin hauling to Wisconsin Dairies. After retiring from hauling milk, he continued to work alongside his family on their farm on Cassel Prairie.

Lyle was also an active member of the community. He was a lifelong member of The First United Church of Christ and served on the church consistory. He delivered Meals on Wheels and spent many hours proudly watching his children and grandchildren participate in school activities and 4-H, attending countless county and state fairs. Lyle had a special love for animals, especially his beloved husky, Casey. He fondly remembered trips to Florida, fishing outings, playing cards, bowling and enjoying visits with friends.

He was well known in the community for his cheerful disposition, his friendly wave from the truck as it came down the highway, and his unbreakable positive spirit. Lyle's many joys in life included his family, his work, and his friendships. He will be remembered as a loving husband, a proud and devoted father and grandfather, and a loyal friend to many.

Lyle is preceded in death by his parents, his mother and father-in-law, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law.

Lyle is survived by his wife, Dorothy; their children, Randy (Barb), Dale, Brian (Amy), and Angela (Bill); grandchildren, Rachel (Ryan) Weiss, Ryan (Grace) Kuhnau, Heather (Ian) McDougall, Heidi Kuhnau, Lauren and Noah Kuhnau, Allison and Isabella Mack, as well as three great-grandsons; his brother Dwane, nieces, nephews, cousins and sisters-in-law and friends.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the nursing staff at Maplewood and the Agrace teams for their support and care.

A graveside service will be held in the spring with family by his side.  Online condolences may be made at hooversonsfuneralhomes.com