Lynn Poole of Fitchburg, Wisconsin, passed away on February 9, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family after a long and courageous battle with illnesses connected to his military service. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose humor, strength, and larger-than-life personality left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Lynn was born on May 22, 1947 in Madison, Wisconsin, the first son of Stanley and Janice Poole. A lifelong Madisonian, he grew up alongside his brothers Craig, Stacy, Kevin, and Wade.

A proud combat veteran, Lynn was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War and served with the Big Red One, First Infantry Division. His time in Vietnam was deeply difficult, and he was heavily exposed to Agent Orange—exposure that would affect his health and ultimately take his life. Despite the hardships he endured, Lynn remained deeply proud of his service and the brothers-in-arms with whom he served.

After returning from the service, Lynn worked for many years as a realtor in the Madison area. Coming from a Madison restaurant family, he always appreciated the supper club and bar atmosphere that is so well known to Madisonians and enjoyed the camaraderie and storytelling that came with it. Outside of work, he spent much of his adult life playing fast-pitch softball in and around the Madison area and was an avid hunter who loved time outdoors.

In 2013, Lynn faced service-related liver cancer that required a transplant. Because of the selfless gift of an organ donor and the generosity of that donor’s family, Lynn was given twelve additional years of life—years that allowed him to experience one of his greatest joys: becoming a grandfather. His family extends their deepest gratitude to that donor and family for the extraordinary gift of time, memories, and love.

Lynn will be remembered for his unmistakable personality—larger than life, incredibly funny, and at times unapologetically offensive in a way that somehow made people laugh anyway. He loved a good game of euchre and was known to call "alone" on a hand most wouldn’t dare to play, then take all four points with a smug smile that said he knew exactly what he was doing. Above all, he cared deeply for his family and friends. He lived every day to its fullest.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Carol (Wickhem) Poole; his daughter, Stacy Compty; his son-in-law, Ryan Compty; and his two granddaughters, Finley Lynn and Hazel Ryan, who were truly the embodiment of his will to live and the light of his later years. He also leaves behind his brothers Craig (Marianne) and Kevin (Jon), along with many extended family members and friends who will miss him deeply. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Stacy and Wade.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the Madison VA Hospital, especially his oncology teams led by Dr. Newton Hurst and Dr. Devon Miller, and to Dr. Parul Agarwal, who led Lynn’s transplant care. Their compassion, expertise, dedication, and support extended Lynn's life greatly, treating cancer after cancer, giving us the precious gift of more time.

In 2025, Lynn and his daughter had the great privilege of participating in the Badger Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., an experience they both considered once in a lifetime and among the most meaningful of his life. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorials be made in Lynn’s honor to the Badger Honor Flight. We encourage anyone who has a Vietnam veteran in their life to consider giving them the extraordinary gift of that journey.

Lynn’s life was defined by strength, resilience, humor, loyalty, and love. He filled every room with his presence, his stories, and his laughter, and his absence leaves a space that feels impossibly large. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who loved him. A celebration of Lynn’s life will be held in the warmer months, with details to be shared at a later date.

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

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