Lyle Byron Potter

Lyle Byron Potter, 73, entered the gates of Heaven on February 17, 2025. Lyle was born on July 31,1951 in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Byron and Irma (Weis) Potter. He moved with his family to Earlville, Iowa, in 1965. He was a 1969 graduate of Maquoketa Valley High school. He obtained a Bachelor of Science with Honors (Magna Cum Laude) from Upper Iowa University in 1996 and a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Northern Iowa in 2002. He obtained a Professional Learning Certificate in Genealogical Studies in 2017. He was a long-time employee of the Hostess Company, and in later years worked in Social Services.

Lyle first married in 1977. Four amazing children were born to this union before getting divorced. Lyle found love again with Cynthia Ossenkop in 1996 and they were united in marriage in 2013.

Lyle became the family historian and genealogist, working tirelessly to unearth information on both sides of ancestors, compiling books of genealogical history and photos as a labor of love for his family. He helped others explore their genealogies with his Kin Connection business and antique photo restoration, teaching classes at libraries, The Hearst Center and Hawkeye Community College. He loved camping and spending time around the campfire with family. He was an avid gardener and always donated excess from his abundant crops. Lyle had a heart of gold and was always the first one to offer to help others.

Lyle is survived by his wife, Cindy Potter, of Cedar Falls; two sons, Steve (Jennifer Roberts) Potter and John (Krysta Ravn) Potter both of Cedar Falls; two daughters, Catherine Potter of Cedar Falls and Melinda (Brian) Hutchens of Waterloo; his grandchildren, Jack and Sam Potter, Kyleigh and Kenzie Potter, Charles Potter, Theodore Stark, Kannon and Max Hutchens, Evan (Riley Bridgerman) Potter, Atley Potter; one great-granddaughter, Olive Potter; siblings, Joan (David) Kramer of Dubuque, Patricia (Terry) Young of Earlville, Denise (Mark) White of Manchester, William (Brenda) Potter of Cedar Rapids, Sharri (Frank) Burggraaf of Liscomb, Mary (Nicholas) Portzen of Cedar Falls, John Potter of Dubuque, Angela (Shawn) Shere of Manchester, and Jane Potter of Cedar Rapids; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Byron Potter and Irma (Weis) Potter; brother-in-law, David Kenyon; sister-in-law, Julie Potter; and great-nephew, Jacob Flesher.

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