Obituary
W. Lyle Slagle
June 16th, 1931 - February 17th, 2026
William Lyle Slagle, known to most as Lyle, passed away on February 17, 2026, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, at the age of 94.
He was born on June 16, 1931, in rural Kirkwood, Illinois, to William and Ida Slagle. Lyle proudly served his country as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force during the Korean War.
Lyle built a long and respected career at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) as a Health Physicist and Technical Writer. In 1961, he served as a first responder during the SL-1 accident, demonstrating courage and professionalism during a historic and challenging time.
In 1953, he married Doris Hunzinger, and together they had two daughters, Karen (Daryl) Deringer and Connie (Phillip) Wagoner. They later divorced. In 1986, he married Jean Romine Slagle and gained a stepdaughter, Donita Land. Jean preceded him in death in 2025.
He was blessed with nine grandchildren: Chiane (Jake) Williams; Lacey Kriegh (Cameron Dennett); Rick (Rhenda) Mattern; Brandon (Kresada) Mattern; Mallory (John) Malee; Steele (Susie) Deringer; Lindy (Kaelyn) Brewer; Dustin Deringer; and Samantha Deringer. He was also the proud great-grandfather of nineteen and great-great-grandfather of four.
Lyle was preceded in death by his parents, his five siblings, and his wife Jean.
Lyle found great joy in camping and fishing, especially in Island Park, Idaho, where many special memories were made. He was an accomplished pool player and often laughingly said he “majored in health physics and minored in pool.” He also had a creative spirit and enjoyed writing poetry about the people and places he admired. Above all, he was devoted to his family.
Dad will be remembered for his love, caring nature, warmth, and creativity. He will be missed every single day.
No services will be held at this time. A celebration of life will be held in June 2026.
