Lyle Frank Minkler of Prescott, Arizona, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2022 at the age of 91. Lyle was born in Cherokee, Iowa in 1930 to his parents Ray and Lillian Minkler.
Lyle grew up on the family farm in Iowa, where he had many fond childhood memories. After graduating from high school, Lyle attended the University of Iowa and earned a degree in mechanical engineering in 1955. Not long after, Lyle moved to San Diego, California, where he continued his education and earned a Master of Arts in Physics from San Diego State University. In 1969 he earned his Doctor of Education in Physics from Arizona State University in 1979. In 1982 he was very proud to receive his Professional Engineering License in Mechanical Engineering from the Arizona Board of Technical Registration.
While living in San Diego, Lyle’s career consisted of work for General Dynamics Convair, NASA’s Lewis Research Center, the Department of Defense, and a year at Lincoln High School, which was the beginning of his career transition from engineer to teacher.
In 1969 he moved to Prescott with his family to begin his 27-year teaching career at Yavapai College, where he taught general and engineering physics. Being a teacher was his dream job. He loved teaching and cared deeply for his many students. He developed long-term friendships with some of his former students. In addition to teaching, Lyle served as department chair for eight years, faculty president for one year, and served on the Senate and Compensation Committees for several years. He also served for one year as President of the Arizona American Associates of Physics Teachers and was appointed a member of the Arizona Solar Energy Commission and Solar Advisory Council by five Arizona governors.
Lyle was very fond of his family and played football, tennis, kick the can and board games. Among other things we went camping, sailing, to amusement parks and swimming at the beach and in our pool. He was such a great, loving, generous father. He was the glue that held our family together. Our life will not be the same without him. We will miss him very much.
He is deceased by his parents Ray and Lillian Minkler, brothers Harvey Minkler, Wayne Minkler and sister Shirley Waddell. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 54 years, Mary G. Minkler, sons Mike Minkler (Sylvia), Lyle Minkler II, Steve Minkler, daughter Lynn Duke (David), stepsons Brian Mann, Chuck Mann, and numerous grandchildren and great- great grandson.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Highland Center of Natural History at 1375 S. Walker Road on Friday 30 September 2022 from 11am to 1pm
information from the family.
