Lyle Northey

Lyle W. Northey, of Two Harbors, died Thursday, March 25, 2021 at Solvay Hospice in Duluth, just four days before his 83rd birthday.

He was born on March 29, 1938 to Charles and Grace (Prince) Northey in Eveleth, lived in the Woodland area of Duluth until the family moved to Buhl in 1956, where he graduated from high school.  After attending Virginia Junior College, he attended the University of Minnesota-Duluth, graduating in 1960 with a degree in English, political science, and history, and a coaching certificate.  He later obtained a master’s degree in Educational Administration, and specialist in social studies and superintendency.

In 1960, he moved to Two Harbors to work for the Lake Superior School District. After teaching for seven years, he became assistant principal of the high school, then served as middle school principal for 27 years, and retired as superintendent in 1994.

During retirement he became a Synodically Authorized Minister and served as a lay pastor at seven different Lutheran Churches in Northern Minnesota. He helped develop the Lay School of Ministry for the Northeastern Synod of ELCA.

As an active community member, Lyle also served on the Two Harbors City Council and as Mayor. In 1981 he was chosen as Lake County Senior Citizen of the Year, and in 2018 was recognized as Two Harbors Chamber of Commerce citizen of the year.

Lyle was a member of Knife River Lutheran Church, North Shore Rotary, and was a board member of the Two Harbors Area Fund and Community Partners.

An avid reader, he also enjoyed golf, traveling and time with his family.

Lyle was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Charles; and a sister, Lois Northey.

He is survived by his wife, Trish; his children, Nadine (Kader) Temkkit, Lance (Eve) Northey, John Wojciuk, Shawn (Susan) Northey, Cheryl (Kurt) Oling; grandchildren, Celine, Elise, Guillaume, Therese, Gianna, Nathan, Dawson, Tyler, Carter, Sarah, and Alex.

The family would like to thank the staff of Essentia Health Oncology and Infusion Departments for their compassionate care for the past three and half years.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts would be appreciated to one of Lyle’s favorite charities: North Shore Rotary Camp Ryla, the Two Harbors Area Community Fund - Northey fund or Salvation Army.

Private services were held. To share your memories or condolences online please visit www.cavallinfuneralhome.com where a video of the service will also be available.