Richard “Dick” James Dignan, age 91, passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2026, in Verona, WI. He was born on April 26, 1935, to William and Audrey (Noiles) Dignan in Alpena, MI. He married Helen Miller on August 18, 1957, at St, Lukes Lutheran Church in Middleton, WI.

Dick served his country in the US Army stationed in Alaska where he witnessed the framing of the Alaska State Constitution and earned the rank of Corporal.

Dick graduated from UW-Stout, receiving his B.S. degree in 1959 and M.S. degree in 1960, both in Industrial Education. He had extensive teaching experience in industrial arts, vocational education, driver’s education, and math, as the department chair. Dick was also a Vocational Education Coordinator at both the junior and senior high level in West Allis-West Milwaukee School Districts, and Grafton School District.

Dick completed his administration certification requirements through UW-Madison and UW-Superior and served as District Administrator in the Almond-Bancroft and Wittenberg-Birnamwood School District from 1968-1983. From 1978-1982, he also served on the Board of trustees of North Central Technical College.

Dick is well known for his outstanding contributions to Wisconsin education in his work at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, the Commission for a Quality Workforce under Governor Tommy Thompson and as Executive Director of the Wisconsin Council on Vocational Education, his compassion and commitment to vocational education has touched the lives of youth across the state of Wisconsin.

In Dick’s free time he enjoyed wood working, traveling and taking care of his yard.

Dick is survived by his loving wife, Helen Dignan; children, Dennis (Cindae) Dignan, Lynn (Dean) Thomas, Mary (Bill) Hass; 12 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; sister, Joan (Sonny) Chrzan as well as nieces, nephews and other relatives.

He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Patricia “Patsy” (John) Kreft, Patrick (Theresa) Dignan.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on May 15, 2026, at St. James Lutheran Church, 427 S Main St, Verona, WI. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. A luncheon will follow the service at church. Inurnment will be at 2:00 p.m. at Sunset Memory Garden.

To view the obituary or leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Verona Chapel
220 Enterprise Drive
608-845-6625

Richard "Dick" J. Dignan

April 26, 1935 - May 03, 2026

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