Lyle “Joe” Metzinger, 65, of Pierre passed away Tuesday, February 8, 2022. A visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00pm, Thursday, February 10, 2022 at Feigum Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00pm Friday February 11, 2022 at Ss Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Pierre with Interment at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Lyle Wayne Metzinger was born the ninth of ten children to Helen (Sherwood) and Arthur Joseph Metzinger on January 12, 1957 in Pierre, SD. Lyle was given the Christian name Joseph at Baptism and it was later shortened to “Joe” by his uncle.
In 1958, Joe’s family relocated from Peoria Bottom along the Missouri River because of the construction of the Oahe Dam. First moving to Fort Pierre and then in 1961, moving near Peoria Flats. Joe attended grade school at Plainview School with the neighboring families: Venners and Schumachers.

In 1966, with the younger five children, the family moved to the valley five miles south of Blunt where Joe attended grade school at Blunt Elementary. The Green Acres’ farm (mom named after the TV show) provided a perfect spot for manure-pile 5-speed bike racing and competitive high-jumping and pole vaulting. But how many kids had a pool table in the basement and basketball court in their haymow complete with two hoops? Joe and brother Mike practiced and played on the YMCA traveling basketball team coached by their brother-in-law “Deaner”. He took the team to a tournament in the big city, Sioux Falls. He even took the team to see Captain 11 (our after school TV show). The boys brought home the 2nd place trophy and the whole town of Blunt met them on the highway! Joe was also remembered for his game winning half-court buzzer sinker in the Harrold gym during school basketball.

Joe’s debut of artistic talent began in 4th grade when he drew The Twelve Days of Christmas on roll-paper that showcased around the gymnasium walls during the school Christmas program. Soon after, he completed a sizable Hereford Bull drawing for his mom’s addition room. His skills progressed into drawing muscle cars and tractors and later architectural buildings. He was still finding enjoyment in his art, completing General Metzinger ship drawings commissioned by Mike and Barb for their boat.

Joe attended high school at Sully Buttes High School in Onida after the two schools consolidated. In 1974, at 17 years old and before graduating school and completing his GED, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was later honorably discharged.
Over the years, he held numerous jobs from groundskeeper at the statehouse, construction and local farm laborer.
On April 30, 2013, Joe married the love of his life, Tanya Lynn Pope. No children were born to this union but feline, Adranza Coyle filled in the missing gap.

Joe passed away unexpectedly on February 8, 2022 at St Mary’s hospital leaving behind a wealth of family that will miss him dearly.

Surviving him are his wife, Tanya, Pierre, SD; sisters: Loretta (Willie) Cowan, Pierre, SD; Janet (Dale) Keller, Grants Pass, OR; Judith “Judy” (Dennis) Pullman, Madison, SD; Geraldine “Deenie” (Dean) Frederick, Agar, SD; Patricia “Patty” (Gary) Wietgrefe, Rapid City, SD; Sharon Metzinger, Pierre, SD; Mary (Lyle) Stewart, Pierre, SD; Brother: Michael “Mike” (Barbara “Barb” Vande Brake) Metzinger, Artesian, SD; and sister-in-law: Sharon Harkless – Metzinger, Blunt, SD; and many nephews and nieces plus ‘greats and grands’ that called him uncle Joe.

Preceding him in death were his parents: Arthur and Helen; brother Leroy; nephews: Rick Metzinger and Christopher Keller; and niece: Kim Cowan Churchill.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in his name.

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