Lyle Gordon Hochhalter, 81, went home to Jesus on Friday, November 6, 2020, at 1:15 p.m., in Big Sky Care Center of Helena, MT. He is deeply missed.Lyle was born October 31, 1939, in Missoula, MT to Rudolph "Rudy" Hochhalter and Dorothy (Zimmerman) Hochhalter-their sixth child of eight. Rudy worked for Northern Pacific railroad as Dorothy raised the children. On the family farm, Lyle collected eggs and had a pet duck that followed him to school. After the family moved into town, he came to enjoy softball.From a young age until his passing, Lyle believed in and followed Jesus.In 1960 - 1962, Lyle served with the U.S. Army at Ft. Sill, OK. After his work with howitzers led to a hearing disability, he served as a cook. Throughout his life, he continued to give the gift of food, especially German foods like nefla.In 1963, Lyle married Dottie Cartwright in Great Falls, MT. They lived in Missoula, MT and Spokane, WA and had three children: Tami, Dan[iel], and Kym[berly]. In about 1977 he moved to Great Falls, and the next year to Missoula, to raise Dan and Kym. That last move was partly to help his kids, one of whom was struggling in school.A long-time member and supporter of Sovereign Hope (formerly South Hills Evangelical) Church in Missoula, Lyle sang tenor in the holiday cantatas. He held jobs at Community Creamery, at Van Evans lumberyard, as a painter of Bobcat tractors (in Spokane), and as a custodian in Missoula's Big Sky and Sentinel high schools.About 1997, Lyle and siblings Harold and Arlene (Whalen) became early residents of the new Burlington Square apartments. For 20+ years, Lyle lived in #203 and made many close friends who appreciated his kindness and humor.All his life, Lyle rose early to serve others in many ways-from baking for Camp on the Boulder, to making coffee for Burlington Square. He will be missed for his caring heart, droll wit, and quiet acts of service.Lyle deeply loved his family and friends, supported his children in every endeavor, and greatly delighted in his grandchildren. He especially enjoyed lighthouses, the Oregon coast, polka music, and worship music by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and the Gaithers.Lyle is survived by four of his siblings (Harold Hochhalter, Willie Hochhalter, Donna Trowbridge, Lillian Adamson), by his three children (Tami Hochhalter, Daniel Hochhalter, Kymberly McPhie), and by their families.The memorial service, to be held this weekend, will be private due to current COVID restrictions.Memorial gifts can be made to Sovereign Hope Church in Missoula.