Lyle Reuben Scharpen

Lyle Reuben Scharpen, 82, of Zumbrota, died Friday, September 4, 2026 at his home.

He was born July 23, 1944 in Red Wing to Reuben and Rosella (Luhman) Scharpen. He grew up in rural Goodhue and graduated from Zumbrota High School, class of 1962. Following graduation he served in the Army National Guard. He returned home to Zumbrota and went to work for Zumco Inc. and became plant manager. He would later work as plant manager for Decorá Cabinetry and finally, at Malt o'Meal in Northfield. He retired from Malt o'Meal in 2012.

On July 23, 1966 he married Barbara Heintz. Together, the couple raised two sons. Barbara passed away in 2008. On January 2, 2010, Lyle married LaVonne Amundson and blended two families into one.

Lyle was happiest outdoors. He loved his hobby farm where he raised a small herd of beef cattle. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially his fishing trips to Canada. He was a talented woodworker who loved planting trees and watching them grow. He enjoyed sitting on his porch with a cup of coffee watching the wildlife. He and LaVonne enjoyed traveling together. After their wedding, they went on a Honeymoon cruise through the Panama Canal and took the combined family on a Disney cruise to the Bahamas. Lyle loved sports, especially a good ball game, and was a life-long Minnesota Twins fan. He enjoyed watching all of his grandkids sporting events and activities.

He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Goodhue and he loved God and his family above all else. He would like you to remember that this is a time for rejoicing because he is now with God, waiting for all of you.

He is survived by his sons, David (Patti) Scharpen of Wabasha, and Ken (Teryl) Scharpen; his step-children, Heidi (Troy) Watne of Belmond, Merlin Amundson, Jr. of Zumbrota, Heather (Mark) Flashinski of Cadott, Wis., and Martin (Kelly) Amundson of Zumbrota; grandchildren, Alex (Brooke) Scharpen of Zumbrota, and Zach (Morgan) Scharpen of Rochester, Athren, Ashlyn, and Gavin Scharpen, Paige (Conner) McElderry, Kyle (Bailey) Watne and Adam Watne of Belmond, Iowa, Nicholas Flashinski and Helayna Flashinski of Cadott, Wis.; Violet Amundson, Winnie Amundson, and Clayton Amundson of Zumbrota; great-grandchild, Maisie McElderry and 2 more great -grandchildren on the way; siblings, Myron Scharpen of Zumbrota, Willis (Nancy) Scharpen of Goodhue, and Colleen (Tom) Storandt of La Cresent; as well as many other family and friends.

He is preceded in death by spouses; Barbara Scharpen and LaVonne (Amundson)Scharpen; siblings, Milo Scharpen and Verna Lifto; and their parents.

A funeral service will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at Grace Lutheran Church in Goodhue. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at church. Burial will be at St. Paul’s Catholic Cemetery in Zumbrota. Memorials are preferred to Grace Lutheran Church or the WELS Synod. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com