It is with saddened hearts and much love we announce the passing of Robert Lyle Stegeman, 80 years, of Melfort, Saskatchewan, on Saturday, July 18, 2026.

Lyle was born on January 9, 1946, in Regina, Saskatchewan, and was welcomed into the loving home of Henry and Violet Stegeman at age two years seven months. Lyle became a big brother two years later when his sister Carol joined the family. Lyle was so grateful for the gift of adoption and often spoke of how his life had forever been changed by the generosity of his parents through this act of love. Lyle also loved his extended Stegeman family of aunts, uncles and cousins, and was very grateful for their care in his younger years.

Lyle was raised at the Stegeman Farm at Resource and it was here that his true love for farming began, a passion which continued throughout his life right until his final days when he was discussing canola fields, spray drones and the upcoming harvest.

Lyle attended Jones School, ¾ of a mile from the family farm, for grades one through eight, and Melfort Composite Collegiate Institute in Melfort, Saskatchewan, for high school. Lyle then studied at the School of Agriculture in Saskatoon, and the Lutheran Collegiate Bible Institute in Outlook.

After college, Lyle moved back to Melfort and was farming full-time with his dad in the summers. Lyle worked for two winters at the mine in Thompson, Manitoba, followed by two winters at the Naicam Co-op.

In February 1976, Lyle met Marlene Healey at the Melfort Covenant Church. Lyle and Marlene went on their first date in March 1976 and were married that November at Park Avenue Bible Church in Melfort. The couple moved to Lyle’s family farm, a truly beautiful place, and had three children, Heidi, Daniel and Denae. Lyle and Marlene remained on the farm for 44 years before moving into Melfort in 2020. Lyle and Marlene were so excited to be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this coming November.

In addition to farming, Lyle worked at the Melfort Water Plant and as a Commissionaire for several years. Lyle also served on various boards including the Covenant Church Board, the Saskatchewan Wheat Board and the Stoney Lake Bible Camp Board.

Lyle’s life took a significant change in 1995 when he was diagnosed with a heart condition at age 49. This changed his farming dynamic drastically, however, he continued to farm one quarter for the next ten years. Over the next 31 years, God graciously sustained Lyle through multiple surgeries, many hospital stays and countless appointments. Throughout Lyle’s entire journey, his faith remained constant and he stayed positive – always willing to take on the next challenge and attempt the next procedure the specialists recommended. Lyle never gave up and never lost hope. We are incredibly grateful for the medical care Lyle received over the past three decades.

Sports was always one of Lyle’s favorite hobbies. In the summers Lyle loved baseball, fishing, golfing, and waterskiing. In the winters, Lyle loved curling and downhill skiing. However, hockey was Lyle’s favorite sport and he played on the Melfort Crusaders, during which he won the trophy for “Most Minutes in the Sin Bin”, aka most penalties, a title for which he was quite proud. Once he could no longer play himself, Lyle’s excitement for sports continued as he cheered on the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Toronto Blue Jays with great loyalty.

Lyle became a Grandpa in 2008 and over the next six years would welcome seven grandchildren, with whom he loved to tell stories, play games and tease.

Lyle loved to chat with people, loved animals, loved to tell stories (which in turn made everyone laugh due to his great storytelling ability and his sense of humor), and he loved his family. But, above all else, Lyle loved God. Lyle gave his life to Jesus at age 17 and he was so grateful to share his conversion story as it truly was the foundation of his life. His final days were spent reciting Scripture and repeating the words that God is in control and we can rest in Him. It was this assurance that gave Lyle his strength and peace and was the reason for his smile.

Lyle was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Violet Stegeman; his parents-in-law Clifford and Sarah Jane Healey; brothers-in-law Jude (Catherine) Healey, Dale (Elvy) Healey, and Walter Keib.

Left to cherish Lyle’s memory are his beloved wife Marlene, children: Heidi (Ryan) Hunt, Daniel (Stephane) Stegeman, and Denae (Jordan Todd); grandchildren: Thor, Marlissa and Zarah Hunt, and Elizabeth, Anna, John and Jeremiah Stegeman; sister Carol (Gordon) Miskosky; nephews Todd and Darren Miskosky; brother-in-law Bud (Ruth) Healey; sister-in-law Pearl Keib; and many nieces and nephews.

We as a family would like to thank all the friends, neighbors and relatives who have helped, prayed and cared for us on our journey. We have been blessed and are so very grateful.

Thank you to all of you who were a special part of Lyle’s life.

Friends so wishing may make memorial contributions to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan, or to Samaritan’s Purse, 20 Hopewell Way NE, Calgary, AB T3J 5H5. Arrangements entrusted to Fedusiak Funeral Chapel & Crematorium Ltd (306)752-3838.

• Date : 2026-07-18
• Location : Melfort