Lyle A. Divis

Lyle A. Divis, 71, of Brainard, Nebraska, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his sisters on Friday, November 8th after a courageous battle with cancer.

Memorials can be designated toward Masses or Family Wishes for later designation. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, November 14, at 10 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Brainard. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5 until 7 with a parish rosary at 7 p.m. all at the church. Burial will be St. Luke's Catholic Cemetery, Loma; lunch will follow at the Klein Center in Brainard. Moravec Johnson Mortuary is handling arrangements for Lyle's family. 

Born on July 6, 1953, to Arthur and Leona (Kobza) Divis, Lyle was a lifelong resident of Brainard, dedicated to his family, his community, and his faith. He graduated from East Butler High School in 1971 and went on to farm alongside his father, raising crops, hogs, and cattle. Lyle loved to work with his hands. He was always willing to help his family, friends and neighbors, especially chopping musk thistles or cutting trees, preferring to use a hand saw or ax instead of a chainsaw, thus giving him the nickname “axe man”. Shortly after graduating from high school, Lyle began playing trumpet with various polka bands. People urged Math Sladky to recruit Lyle to become a regular member in his band. He played with the Math Sladky Polka Band for 9 1/2 years all around Nebraska and the midwest. In 1973, Lyle began driving a school bus for East Butler, a role he filled with pride for an astounding 51 years. Throughout his decades of service, he transported and watched over generations of students, many from the same families. These students were his “kids”. If you were lucky enough to ride Lyle’s bus, you could always count on a package of full sized candy bars at Christmas and an occasional stop in Loma for candy. 

Lyle also drove a bus for Buresh Detasseling for 28 years and also worked as a detasseler himself. His dedication to the young people in his care went beyond the bus routes and into the fields, where he shared his work ethic and commitment.

In the summer of 1974, he helped construct the bath house for the Brainard swimming pool. 

Lyle was a dedicated member of St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Loma and Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Brainard, where he also sang in the choir. In 1992, he became one of the caretakers of St. Luke’s Church when it was converted into a Czech Catholic Shrine. He took great pride in maintaining the church, ensuring it was always clean and prepared for services, preserving a cherished place of worship for future generations. The rosary was his daily companion, a visible testament to his devotion to his faith. When transporting students to activities in other towns, Lyle would often visit the local Catholic church, where he found peace in prayer and adoration. His quiet example of faith left a profound impression on those around him, and he was known for the care and compassion he extended to his “bus family” and community alike. Lyle passed away as his sisters recited the rosary around him. He was diagnosed with cancer on Good Friday and died during the Sorrowful Mysteries on Friday evening. He picked up his cross, uniting it with Jesus. Now may he be united with Jesus in the glory of Heavan. 

Lyle was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ludvik and Vlasta Divis, Adolph and Rose Kobza, and his parents, Arthur and Leona Divis. He is survived by his three sisters, Yvonne (Bern) Hottovy of Lincoln, Cindy (Ron) Glaser of Spalding, and Rachelle (Dan) Zysset of Brainard. Lyle’s legacy lives on through his extended family, including 25 nieces and nephews and 32 great-nieces and nephews, all of whom he cherished deeply.

 Lyle’s legacy of faith, kindness, and dedication will be treasured by those he touched and remembered by generations of students, parishioners, and friends.