Obituary

Lyle “Butch” Herman Nitschke, Age 63, of Ontario, Oregon went to be with the Lord on June 7, 2011.

He was born to the late Herman Nitschke and to Helen (Goss) Nitschke in Bay City, MI on October 21, 1947.

Lyle enjoyed sharing stories about things that made him laugh or that impacted his life.  He will be remembered for his stories, his contagious belly laughs and love for children and the Lord. 

Lyle is survived by his children Carrie Nitschke of Aberdeen, Washington; Tony Nitschke of Ontario, Oregon; son Bruce Neill and family of Ontario, Oregon; son Charlie Neill and family of Ontario, Oregon.  Lyle is also survived by his mother, Helen (Goss) Nitschke of Everett, Washington and siblings John Nitschke of Ontario, Oregon; Fred Nitschke and family of Monroe, Washington, Betty (Nitschke) Lalani and family of Roseville, California; Doris (Nitschke) Maertz and family of Lynnwood, Washington; and Nancy (Nitschke) Blanchard and family of Everett, Washington.  He is further survived by five grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 32279 Apple Valley Road, Parma, Idaho on Friday, June 10, 2011 at 7:00 p.m.

Lyle is Resting with the Lord

Today about 2:30 Lyle went to be with the Lord.  We are thankful to know he is in the arms of Jesus and no longer struggling.  His laughter and stories will be greatly missed.

I would like to make a slide show in his memory, if you have any pictures to share please e-mail to ninchkie@hotmail.com.  If you will also share your memories, thoughts and/or favorite stories under the above tab titled "Memories/Stories" it would be greatly appreciated.

No More Life Support

Over the weekend it sounded like there was some misunderstandings or miscommunication with the nurse as she thought Lyle had problems with his lungs and medicated according to her understanding... the doctor indicated that was not the case the next morning.  It is discouraging when Dr. Stark is out for the weekend because the tone of things seem to be different.  I understand from friends here that are in the nursing business it's kind of the nature of the hospital world, for things to be put on hold and have a little different tone over the weekends.

Today Dr. Stark encouraged the family to let Lyle go.  Lyle is showing signs of pneumonia and an elevated temperature of 102 degrees.  After getting in touch with Tony and discussing things, the decision has been made to take all forms of life support off of Lyle and let nature takes it’s course.  This was done around 4:30.  They will sedate him to keep him from feeling pain.  Dr. Stark said it could take between 3 and 10 days for him to pass on.  Betty stated in a text that the Forsyth’s were there for support during this time, which is much appreciated.  We are grateful for all the support of the church community.

Change of Tone

From a conversation with John it looks like Lyle has taken a turn for the worse.  Dr. Stark is out of town and the tone of things at the hospital have changed.  We aren’t so sure what to think about all of this.  They put Lyle on Morphine and are no longer giving him nutrition as of last night.  We will see what today brings.  

Another Day

June 3, 2011  Betty sent a text stating that Dr. Stark is away for the weekend.   She also said that the nurse told her that Lyle can maintain this status for quite awhile based on the amount of damage to the brain that is visible on the scan.  Lyle can't swallow on command and is trapped in this poor body.  This is so hard, none of us have never faced such a situation.  We want the best for Lyle. 

Encouraging News

Thursday, June 02, 2011 Dr. Stark has a new tone about things and is a bit enthused.  There are no new embolisms being thrown and he thinks the old one’s could fade.  The infection in the heart is down.  Lyle is quite alert.  Dr. Stark is speaking of a speech therapist in time since Lyle is making effort to speak.  He has said, “Ok” and then “Yeah” 2 or 3 times when being asked a “yes/no” question.  He is on oxygen and antibiotics, and Dr. Stark feels like he can get a handle on the infection.  Lyle pulled his “annoying nose air tube” as the Dr. calls it twice today.  When his lips heal up they can put oxygen there.

The spirits are high this evening.

Tubes are Out

Wednesday, June 1  Lyle’s breathing tubes were removed during the morning hours.  He is breathing on his own, but needs his mouth/throat cleared out from time to time and the breathing is hard at times.  The nurse taught Betty how to clear out the mucus, etc. as needed so she can help him breath easier.

Sobering Day

Tuesday, May 31  Dr. Stark was back from out of town and made his rounds.  He painted a pretty bleak picture as he talked to Mom, Nancy and Charlie.  He explained the many issues that Lyle has going against him, reminding us that Lyle’s time with us is limited.  He said to have hope, but keep it tempered with reality.  

Later in the morning John, Betty, Doris, Nancy, Mom, Carrie and Charlie were in the waiting when Dr. Stark made another appearance to talk with us all about Lyle’s condition.  He talked about the stroke, blood clots, brain damage, etc.  He explained that Lyle appeared to be fairly comfortable, was obeying commands (to wiggle fingers, toes and open and close eyes), but that it is simply painful being trapped in a body that won’t move.  He explained that it was a matter of time before the next thing happened.  It was a very sobering conversation.


Doris and Nancy left for home a little after lunch time.  Lyle breathed on his own all day without the help of the machine.

Breathing On His Own Again

Monday, May 30 Lyle’s temperature lowered a little and his breathing improved.  We were asked to let him rest as much as possible and limit our number of people visiting him at one time.  Mom stayed with Lyle most of the day, while the rest took turns coming and going.  Lyle has had many visitors.

An Exhausting Day for Lyle

Sunday, May 29 Lyle was tired and not able to breath on his own.  The ventilator tubes would not be taken out.  Lyle’s temperature was also elevated.  The doctor that was filling in for Dr. Stark checked over Lyle and said they would add nutrients (amino lipids, lipids, etc.) to his system.  Lyle also has cold sores around his mouth, which they say is normal when the immune system is so weak, and they will put an ointment on for them.  From what the doctor said, any major decisions will be held off until Dr. Stark returns on Tue. if at all possible.  Lyle’s breathing deteriorated a little as the day went on.  Fred and Margie returned home and Lyle’s daughter, Carrie arrived in the evening.

Breathing on His Own for the First Time

Saturday, May 28 Lyle received a lot of visitors and stimulation.  Lyle responses showed that he recognized his visitors and wanted someone nearby.  Lyle showed as much enthusiasm as possible when he was asked if he wanted a foot massage.  The ventilator was turned to 0, meaning that Lyle was doing all the breathing on his own.  The hope was to take out the ventilator tubes the next day if Lyle showed that he could breath on his own.  The reality was that we needed to be in unity as a family as to how the medical team should proceed if Lyle didn’t respond well, whether they should make every effort to resuscitate him or let him go.

Opening His Eyes

On Friday, May 27 Lyle was responding more and more to instructions to squeeze hands, move feet.  He opened his eyes big and wide for a short while when Mom was talking with him and walked her fingers up his right arm (this is the side that is paralyzed), and opened his eyes.  His responses showed that he understood what was being said.    He responded with a frown on his brow and pulling away when the nurse told him she was going to pull out an IV.  It was encouraging to see his responses increase.  

The First Few Days

On Tuesday, May 24... John called the ambulance and they took him into the hospital and he was in a coma through Thursday evening.  Mom (Helen), Fred & Margie, Betty Doris and Nancy arrived are the family members that showed up on Thursday.  The stimulation from having everyone together must have been a good thing as Lyle showed the most movement since going into the coma.