Richard Lyons
July 30, 1932 - September 22, 2022
Obituary
Richard “Dick” F. Lyons, age 90, passed away on Thursday, September 22, 2022, at The Villa at Middleton Village with his family by his side. He was born on July 30, 1932, to Francis and Lillian (Genin) Lyons in Madison, WI. Dick married Linda Niebuhr on March 4, 1978, at St. Dennis Catholic Church in Madison, WI.
Dick graduated Edgewood High School, and soon after, started his 57-year career at Carnes Company in Verona as a draftsman. Dick and Linda lived not far from Carnes, which allowed him to walk to work nearly every day. He was often seen walking or riding his bike around town, which he preferred to driving when possible.
Dick was a family man, through and through, whether it was caring for his parents prior to their passing, helping one of his siblings, loving his wife, or playing with his two kids. As a family, they enjoyed road trips, camping, and exploring new places. A goal of his was to visit all 48 continental United States, which he achieved several years ago.
Dick loved older model cars—particularly Corvairs and Studebakers—and on occasion, even raced Corvairs. He belonged to the Capital City Corvair Club and enjoyed traveling and meeting up with other club members for various outings. He also owned a Corvair van, which quickly earned the nickname, “Shark Van,” around town because of its unique, custom design, which, like many things, was a product of his creativity and whatever materials he had on hand.
Other hobbies Dick enjoyed were gardening, tinkering in his woodworking shop, bowling, golfing, and playing cards—specifically, Sheepshead, Euchre, and Crazy 8s. He also greatly enjoyed taking photos everywhere he went and all things Irish, including Irish music, which became a source of comfort in his later years.
Always carrying a rosary, Dick was dedicated to his faith and was a founding member and historian for the Knights of Columbus council at St. Andrew’s church in Verona. He enjoyed spending his time with fellow Knights and helping around church whenever needed.
Dick is survived by his wife; two children, Dawn (Nick) Burke, Shawn Lyons; grandchildren, Cashton, Elliana, Calvin Burke; brothers, Pat (Carole) Lyons, Don (Mary) Lyons; sisters, Virginia Schmale, Francita Schaller, and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Lillian Miller; brothers-in-law, Dick Schmale, Bob Schaller, and Jerry Miller.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, September 29, 2022, at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 301 N. Main Street, Verona, WI. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, at Ryan Funeral Home, 220 Enterprise Drive, Verona and again from 10:00 AM until the time of service at church. Interment will be held at Resurrection Cemetery.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Middleton Villa and Agrace Hospice for the attentive care they provided in the years leading up to Dick’s death. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.
Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services Verona Chapel 220 Enterprise Drive 608-845-6625