Obituaries

DeForest – James G. “Mike” Byrd Sr., age 76, fondly known to have the gift of gab, passed away on November 11, 2022 at SSM Care Center with his loving wife by his side. He was born on March 26, 1946, in Easington, Co. York England to parents James R. and Iris P. (Dawson) Byrd.

Mike graduated from DeForest High School in 1964. He married his wife of 56 years, Carol Anderson on June 11, 1966. He enjoyed coin and stamp collecting, and in the past 10 years attending craft shows with Carol. He worked various jobs throughout his life, starting by delivering milk at the age of 12 in England, working at Demco for 29 years, being an Insurance Agent for 5 years, and working in the Waunakee School District for 8 years. He was the author of “My Son the BRAT”. He was a Cub Scout Leader in DeForest in the early 70’s, founding member of the Waunakee Area EMS from 1976-2002, and a member of the American Legion 451, Sons of American Legion. He volunteered at the Madison’s Veterans Hospital, the Martin House preparing meals for the homeless, and St. Baldricks Children Cancer Research where over the 11 years he helped raise a total of $200,000, he also played Santa Claus for East Town Mall for 10 years in the 70’s and 80’s. He was the proud Dad who watched his sons perform in school sports; never missing a game, then watching his 3 grandchildren perform in their school sports and other activities; being their biggest fan alongside Carol.

Mike is survived by his loving wife Carol; 2 sons, James “Jim” Jr. (Terri) Byrd of DeForest and Jon (Shannon) Byrd of Monticello; 3 grandchildren Shaun Byrd, Cassidy Byrd, and Graham Byrd; his brother Paul (Mary) Byrd of Utah; 2 sisters Yvonne and Valerie; brother-in-law Paul (RoJeane) Anderson of Waunakee, sister-in-law Ann (Dale) Broske of Janesville; and several aunts and uncles in England, and many nephews, nieces, friends, and special friend Dave “Oscar” Hamre; and his best buddy canine Bo.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Rueben ‘Andy” and Rosemary Anderson; sister Veronica Byrd Jenson; sister-in-law Mary Anderson; and brother-in-law James Anderson. A special thank you to Dr. Benjamin Jordan at SSM Health Dean Clinic, SSM Nurses on 5 E and 5 SW, SSM Health Care Center Vilas and Yahara Neighborhoods.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, or to the Dane County Humane Society.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2022, at 11:30 a.m. at Ryan Funeral Home, 6924 Lake Road. A visitation will be held on Saturday at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until time of service. A private interment will follow services at the Moravian Cemetery.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com. Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services Windsor/DeForest Chapel 6924 Lake Road 608-846-4250