Lyle Alton Tolfree

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather passed away at home in Merril with his family at his side on his favorite day of the year, Opening Day, Wednesday, November 15^th, 2023, at the age of 95. Lyle was born in Merrill on October 24^th, 1928, to the late Roy & Ada (Miller) Tolfree, and was a 1948 graduate of Merrill High School. After school, Lyle was drafted into the United States Army, where he proudly served his country during the Korean War. After his service, Lyle worked as an operator for the Dow Chemical Company, retiring after 31 years. He met Bernice “Bunny” Corbat at a dance in Merrill and the couple married on August 22^nd, 1953. She survives him. An outdoorsman at heart, Lyle spent much of his free time hunting, fishing, and camping, especially at Alcona Park in Glennie. He was a snowmobiler and even raced snowmobiles in his early years. He also loved stock car racing, and had a fondness for apple fritters and apple cake. Most importantly, Lyle was a provider and a family man who loved his family more than life itself. He never said a bad word or complained, though he was sure to let you know how much he loved you by teasing you or being a jokester.

Lyle is survived by his wife of 70 years, Bunny Tolfree; children John (Shay) Tolfree, Mary (Dennis) Estrada, Mark (Gina) Tolfree; Cindy (Jeff) Eastman; Lyle (Heather) Tolfree II; fourteen grandchildren; and seventeen great grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

Lyle was preceded in death by his eight brothers and sisters.

A funeral service for Lyle will take place at 2:00pm on Sunday, November 19^th, 2023, at W.L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 125 E Saginaw St, Merrill, MI 48637, with Rev. Fr. Michael F. Steltenkamp S.J. presiding. Visitation will take place at the funeral home from 12:00pm until the time of service, with burial to follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery. Those wanting to make a show of their sympathy may wish to consider a memorial contribution to Aleda E. Lutz Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1500 Weiss St, Saginaw, MI 48602. Please share your thoughts, prayers, and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.casefuneralhome.com.