William J. Dyhr, Jr

William James “Bill” Dyhr Jr., 85, passed away on September 14, 2025, with his loving family by his side. Bill was a hard-working and strong-minded individual. He maintained his determination and independence despite living with declining health for the last year. His spirit of fierce determination will live on in us forever.

Bill was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin, and graduated from Central High School in 1958. He lettered in football, baseball, basketball and track. He was in the M-Club, Electricians, Hi-Y, was a homeroom officer, and served on the finance committee, trophy committee, and senior class banquet committee. He attended Central High class reunions for years, sometimes helping organize and MC them, and maintained, friendships with many of his classmates.

Bill joined the United States Marine Corps shortly after graduation and served his country with pride. He was stationed in San Diego at Camp Pendleton as part of the Third Battalion, Platoon 360. In 2016, Bill and classmates, friends and fellow Marines Kenny Nicholls, Donny Nicholls and Tom Kepler went on a Badger Honor Flight to see the memorials that have been erected to honor veterans. Bill called it “A trip of a lifetime.”

After his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, Bill began his construction career at Anthony Grignano Co., where he worked his way up from apprentice carpenter to an estimator bidding jobs. On June 1, 1975, he was appointed secretary to the Board of Directors of Anthony Grignano Co.

After decades of hard work, he started his own business: WJ Dyhr Construction Co., which specialized in commercial construction. Bill later bought and operated a neighborhood tavern in Madison known as the Trophy Tap.

From humble beginnings, Bill managed to build a home and raise his family in the Crestwood neighborhood for more than 60 years. His wonderful Crestwood neighbors would check on him in his later years, inviting him to gatherings, bringing him homemade treats, cutting his grass and shoveling his snow. He was a man of integrity and grit and he left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

Bill's hobbies and interests helped define who he was. He enjoyed boating, fishing, hunting and gardening, and spending time at the family cabin in Vilas County. His love for Wisconsin sports and especially the Green Bay Packers was something he shared with his children, leaving a mark on us that will never fade.

We find comfort in knowing that Bill's legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared, and the memories we will cherish forever.

He is survived by his three children: Susan Dyhr (Jeff Richgels) of Oregon, Wisconsin; William C. Dyhr (Kirston Buczak-Dyhr) of Hartland, Wisconsin; Amy Carlin (Daniel Carlin) of Kennesaw, Georgia; five grandchildren: Alexander Carlin, Nicholas Carlin, Elizabeth Carlin, Estella Dyhr and William K. Dyhr; siblings Tom Dyhr (Nena Dyhr) of Madison, Wisconsin, and Doug Dyhr (Candy Dyhr) of Janesville, Wisconsin; and beloved granddogs Bella, Hazel, and Lucky. Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Elaine Marie Dyhr (Cigelske), his parents Estella and William J Dyhr Sr. of Madison and his parents-in-law Edith and Carl Cigelske of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, Wisconsin. Visitation with hors d'oeuvres will begin at 12 p.m. with a celebration of life starting at 2 p.m., and burial with military honors to follow at Forest Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in William J. Dyhr Jr.’s memory to Badger Honor Flight Wisconsin. Donations may be made by mail or online at Badger Honor Flight. To donate with a check, please make the check payable to: Badger Honor Flight. Please mail it to: Badger Honor Flight, Inc. PO Box 258066 Madison, WI. 53725.

Please share your memories of Bill here in his guestbook.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road Madison

(608) 238-3434