Lyle S. Tennis

Lyle S. Tennis, 100, passed away on Tuesday, October 10, 2023. Lyle was born September 18, 1923 in Unity, Wisconsin. He lived in Racine since 1952. Lyle married Mea Hollenbeck in 1944. Surviving are four daughters: Anne, Holly, Lynn (Ashmore) Edwards, and Melody (Michael) Coffey. Eight grandchildren: Nicholas (Nova), Dane, Mariah, Charlie, and Claire Coffey; Jordan and Abraham Tennis; and Tyler (Ashley) Edwards. One great grandchild: Jayden Edwards. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sylvester and Jessie Tennis. His wife of 73 years, Mea Tennis. And his sister/ brother-in-law, Arlene and Richard Oudenhoven. Lyle graduated from Whitewater State College in January 1944 and entered active duty with the U.S. Navy in March 1944. He distinguished himself during the invasion of Okinawa in World War II, as he was put in command of a Landing Ship while being attacked by Japanese Kamikaze planes. The United States government awarded him the highest Navy medal, the Navy Cross, as well as the Purple Heart, Unit Commendation, and World War II awards for his 28 years of service in the Naval Reserve. Lyle was a member of the U.S. Naval Reserve and commanded the Surface Division 9-210 and Group Command 9-76 before retirement as a Commander. He taught school at Deerfield and Manitowoc, Wisconsin; St. Louis, Missouri; and 32 years in Racine Public Schools. Lyle was the Business Education Department Chairman for 19 years at the J. I. Case High School. He furthered his education by earning a Masters of Art degree from University of Iowa in 1949. Lyle was a life member of the WEA and NEA, and the Navy Club of the USA. He was a charter member of the U.S. Naval Foundation and Life Member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Lyle has been a devoted member of Holy Communion Lutheran Church, where he served in a variety of ways. During his retirement years he volunteered at Habitat for Humanity. Funeral services will be held at Holy Communion Lutheran Church, 2000 W. 6th Street, on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at 11 a.m. Rev. Laura Fladten officiating. There will be a visitation at Sturino Funeral Home on Monday, October 23 from 4 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. and at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until time of service. Lyle will be laid to rest with his wife, Mea at South Bristol Cemetery in Kenosha County in a private ceremony. Memorials may be given to Racine Habitat for Humanity, 1501 Villa Street, or to Holy Communion Lutheran Church.

Tributes

Lyle S. Tennis

September 18, 1923 - October 10, 2023