Lyle Sherburne

Lyle Edwin Sherburne, 92, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 6, 2026, at home in Madison, Wisconsin.  Born in New London, Wisconsin, on February 14, 1934, to Edwin Paul Sherburne and Myrtle Leona Sherburne (née Schmidt), Lyle was a man of deep faith and enduring quiet strength.

Although Lyle lived in several states, the only true home in his heart was Fremont, on the banks of the Wolf River, where he enjoyed fishing and hunting in the surrounding woods.  His first music teacher, Freda Zuelke, was a great influence in his childhood. Working in high school at the Wohlt Cheese Corporation, he earned a reputation for having a good Midwestern work ethic.  After graduating high school, Lyle enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1953, a decision he considered one of the best of his life.  He served as a Field Music Instructor and was honorably discharged in 1955, carrying with him friendships and lessons that shaped his life.

Lyle met his wife Kitty while both worked at KOOL-Channel 10 TV in Phoenix, Arizona.  After moving to California with his family, Lyle built a distinguished career in sales management. He later returned to school, earning both BS and MBA degrees as an adult — a source of great personal pride.

Family traditions — from Thanksgiving turkey to the beloved Sherburne anise cookie recipe — were sacred to him.  He was a man of faith and active member of the Knights of Columbus.  He also found joy in woodworking, crafting cork ornaments, cooking, music, and travel. Ireland and Italy held special places in his heart, places he believed deserved months, not days, to truly appreciate.

Lyle was predeceased by his loving wife, Kathleen (“Kitty”); parents, Edwin and Myrtle; his brother, Earl; his nephew, Michael; and his niece, Catherine.  He is survived by his daughters, Ellen Hall (David) and Kelly McAdams (Christopher); son, Kevin Sherburne (Elisa); granddaughters, Casey Threlfall (née Hall) and Catherine Sherburne; grandsons, Ryan Hall and Malachy McAdams; and nieces, Cynthia Singletary and Alice Sherburne.

Lyle is remembered as a kind and generous man who led by example and believed in hard work. His life's philosophy was simple and true:  most people are as happy as they want to be.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 5313 Flad Avenue, Madison.  A visitation will be held from 5:00–7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at Ryan Funeral Home – Verona Chapel, 220 Enterprise Drive, Verona.  Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Lakeside Cemetery, Fremont, Wisconsin. 

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations be made to Knights of Columbus or the American Cancer Society.  A special thanks to All Saints Neighborhood and Agrace Hospice for their thoughtful care of our dad in his final days.