Patrick Alphonse Lyons

Patrick Alphonse Lyons, longtime resident of Westport and Waunakee, passed away on June 4, 2025, at his home in Surprise, AZ following a brief illness. He was surrounded by his children, Timothy and Jennifer, and prayerfully supported by his entire family.

Patrick was born to Frank & Lillian (Genin) Lyons on 10/21/30 and grew up in the Bosco-Paoli-Verona areas. He attended high school at Saint Francis Minor Seminary in Milwaukee. He was drafted into the Army and served as an anti-aircraft gunner protecting an airbase in Korea. Through the GI Bill, he pursued an education at Spencerian College and became a Certified Public Accountant.

In 1956, Pat met the love of his life, Carole. Moving to Westport in 1962, they raised a family of six children. Pat worked for the state of Wisconsin in the Inheritance Tax Department, eventually becoming the department Director. Carole began a career as a private piano teacher and became acclaimed for producing many fine musicians for the Waunakee area.

In the early hours of February 22, 1971, fire tore through the Lyons’ home. Pat, Carole, and Tim narrowly escaped. Daughters Terri, Mary, Lisa, Ann, and Kelly perished. Only through their deep Catholic faith and commitment to each other were they able to carry on. In 1972, the Lyons family was blessed to receive Jennifer into their home. Both Tim and Jennifer became graduates of WHS.

Pat and Carole enjoyed travel with family and explored North America, Europe, and Israel extensively. Pat enjoyed sports and was an avid golfer and bowler and played softball. He ran several WaunaFest 5K races, placing 1st in his age bracket. In later life he frequented the gym with Tim, and has a renowned video of performing 17 pushups on his 91st birthday. Pat retired from a long career in state service in 1991. He and Carole eventually moved to Arizona in 1997.

Pat and Carole were bound together and directed by their Catholic Faith, which they practiced with piety throughout their marriage. In their retirement they had the particular blessing of befriending Fr. Kunz of Saint Michael’s Church in Dane, WI and subsequently found their way to the Traditional Latin Mass of their youth. This became central to their entire lives.

After a long life together, Pat lost his wife on May 26, 2024. She was buried on their 67th anniversary. He was also preceded in death by five daughters, a brother (Richard), and a sister (Lillian Miller). He is survived by his son Timothy and his wife Lisa, his daughter Jennifer Whitmore and her husband Brooks; grandchildren Christopher (Hanna), Monica (Chad), Ian (Mari), Louisa (Charles), Clara (Jouquin), Raina, Oliver, Juliet, and Ann Lillian, as well as great-grandchildren Chad Jr., Ashley, Charlotte, Xander, Madeleine, Violet, and Felicity. He is also survived by two sisters, Virgina Schmale and Francita Schaller, and one brother Donald.

The funeral for Pat will be held at St. Therese Chapel in Waunakee on Saturday, June 21 at 10 a.m. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 20th from 4-7 p.m. at Winn-Cress Funeral Home in Waunakee.

Please share our memories of Pat by posting in his Guestbook.

Winn-Cress Funeral Home

5785 Hwy Q

Waunakee, WI