Lonnie Lester Lyons
Monday, November 1, 1954
Date of Death:
Friday, April 20, 2018
Age:
63 years old
Monday, November 1, 1954
Date of Death:
Friday, April 20, 2018
Age:
63 years old
Monday, November 1, 1954
Date of Death:
Friday, April 20, 2018
Age:
63 years old
Lonnie Lester Lyons
Lonnie Lester Lyons, 63, of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly on April 20, 2018.
Lonnie was born in Rochester on November 1, 1954 to Lester and Lucille (Bjugan) Lyons. He attended grade school in Rochester and high school in Pine Island. He attended Minnesota Bible College in Rochester, North Central Bible College in Minneapolis, and graduated from Valley Forge Christian College in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania where he earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Bible in 1978. Lonnie went into full-time ministry, first as a youth pastor in Syracuse, New York; then worked alongside the pastoral staff in Spokane, Washington and Fairbanks, Alaska. He also worked for a time with the Teen Challenge program in Buffalo, New York. In 1982, Lonnie married Kathleen Weiss.
Lonnie felt called to minister the gospel as an evangelist and started traveling throughout the United States preaching as well as singing. In 1976, he formed The Light Evangelistic Association, Inc. as an outreach ministry in Rochester, Minnesota with a two-fold purpose; one was to travel as an itinerant evangelist, and second was to have an outreach program to help people with food, clothing, and shelter needs. In 1995, a Guest House for clinic patients and families was completed and dedicated by Mayor Chuck Hazama.
In 1983, he was invited to attend the Billy Graham Amsterdam ’83 conference for itinerant evangelists, and again later in 1986. Attending these conferences opened up many doors of ministry speaking engagements in churches in England, Holland, Germany, and Switzerland; military bases in Mainz and Wiesbaden, Germany; Teen Challenge centers in Germany, Switzerland, and Holland; as well as street ministry. Lonnie was ordained with the General Council of the Assemblies of God at the Minnesota District Council in 1988. In 1993, he attended the NAICE 93 Billy Graham conference in Louisville, Kentucky. Throughout all these years, he continued to travel in ministry and operate the outreach in Rochester. In 2007, he traveled to Mexico to help in the aftermath of a devastating tornado and returned to Mexico several times since to minister the gospel.
Lonnie was well known in the community, always ready to be a servant, and an encourager as he shared his love for the Lord. He had a big heart and he loved people. His friendliness and smiling face will truly be missed.
Lonnie is survived by his wife, Kathleen, of 36 years; daughters, Lackel and Larissa; sons, Lessing and Lathan; and his brother, Les. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials are preferred to the family.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 28th at Highpoint Church, 4545 N Frontage Rd in Rochester. A visitation will be held on hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in the Zumbrota Cemetery.
Condolences
The family of Lonnie Lester Lyons has received the following condolences.
My deepest sympathy to the family for your loss. Lonnie will be missed by many. As you return to your daily routine continue to rely on the God of comfort(2 Corinthians 1:3,4) who will give you the added strength for the difficult days ahead.
My friend Lonnie will be missed over the many years we have known each other we have helped each other out when we could. Recently we talked about getting together for a meal , but or secludes just did not mess. We send our prays to the family.
I am so sorry for your loss. I considered Lonnie a friend of mine and always enjoyed kidding around with him. The last time I seen him he was driving a van on marion road with a big smile on his face. It cheered my day up.
So sorry for your lost. I remember Lonnie coming into Walmart south at night. I would always say hello to him. I would check him out at the register as well.
Dear Kathy and family,
My sincerest condolences at the loss of your husband and father, Lonnie. Praying for you at this difficult time.
Mary Gosha
Lonnie Lyons was a very close friend of mine and of The Overflowing Cup in Beloit, Wisconsin. He was dedicated to the Lord and to God's call on his life. He was a loving husband and father and his passing leaves a big void in the hearts of many. I love you Lonnide and I love your family. I will see you in Heaven.
Dear Kathy and family,
I am so sorry Lonnie has passed away. We'll be praying for all of you. You all are a family who always stands out in my memory and a family after God's heart. Lonnie has certainly left quite the legacy. If you are ever near Gilbert, AZ please contact me.
With much love,
Terri and John DeLano
Kathy and family--so sorry to hear of this unexpected loss for your family. I hope that this week you will feel surrounded by love from your family and community. I've sent a private message with my contact info, please be in touch, especially if you end up back in Arizona at some point. Will be praying for you all as you navigate this difficult season and transition time. With love, -April M
Kathy and family so sorry to hear of the passing of Lonnie.
Such a love for our Lord and for people! He will be so missed.
Love and prayers,
Barb Voigt
Kathy & family, we were very sorry to hear about Lonnie. Praying for strength for all of you. Unfortunately we will not be able to attend the funeral. We have a granddaughter graduating from college Saturday.
We would like to send a card but can’t find an address. Love & prayers. Les & Jane