Elaine Dyhr

MADISON
Elaine Marie Dyhr, 71, was called to eternal life by her heavenly father on January 22, 2012 with her loving family by her side. She maintained her wit and determination despite living with a debilitating disease and declining health for the last few years. Her spirit of quiet courage, fierce determination and endless love will live on in us forever.

A wonderful sister, an extremely devoted mother, wife and grandmother; for Elaine, family was always her first priority. She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 49 years, William J. Dyhr, Jr.; her three children: Susan Dyhr (Jeff Richgels) of Oregon, WI; William C. Dyhr (Kirston Buczak-Dyhr) of Chicago, IL; Amy Carlin (Daniel Carlin) of Kennesaw, GA; five grandchildren who were the joy of her life: Alexander Carlin, Nicholas Carlin, Elizabeth Carlin, Estella Dyhr and William K. Dyhr; siblings John "Jack" Cigleske (Diane Cigelske) of Folsom, CA, and Charlotte Norenberg of Beaver Dam, WI; and beloved grand-dogs Maggie and Clifford. Elaine was preceded in death by her parents Edith and Carl Cigelske of Beaver Dam and her parents-in-law Estella and William J. Dyhr of Madison, WI.

Born and raised in Beaver Dam, WI, Elaine graduated from Beaver Dam High School and moved to Madison shortly thereafter. She was a lifelong member of St. Thomas Aquinas, Madison. For 23 years, she worked at Cuna Mutual Insurance and made many good friends. In her spare time, she enjoyed knitting, gardening, baking, bird watching, and taking pictures at family events. She loved listening to Bobby Darren, Barry Manilow, Henry Mancini and Nat King Cole right to the end. She enjoyed dancing; trying a few times to teach her kids the jitterbug and the polka. Dining out, concerts and traveling were always fun for her. Spending time at the cabin with family and friends in the Northwood's was another passion. Her dream was to someday have a more spacious home allowing lots of family to be close making those all important holiday celebrations even grander.

The family would like to acknowledge Oakwood for the daily care and rehabilitation they provided early last year. Their efforts allowed Elaine to spend another year in the comfort of her home. A special thank you is extended to the staff of Agrace HospiceCare who provided compassionate support and kindness for Elaine and her family over the past couple weeks. Although the long good bye was difficult, the support of professionals who are truly committed to comfort and dignity at the end of life is genuinely appreciated.

A Celebration of Elaine's Life will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, January 27, 2012 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 602 Everglade Drive, Madison. A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 26th from 5 until 7 pm at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. The family will also greet friends on Friday at church one hour prior to mass. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery.