Richard Byrnes

Richard Byrnes

July 25, 1932 - April 03, 2015

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Obituary

Richard J. Byrnes, 82, of Platteville died on Good Friday, April 3, 2015 at his home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Platteville. Rev. Faustino Ruiz and Deacon Bill Bussan will concelebrate. Burial will follow at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday at Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, where there will be a scripture wake service at 7:00 with a time of sharing stories of Richard's life and music. Friends may also call from 9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Memorials may be made to the Richard J. Byrnes Memorial Fund. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.

Richard was born on July 25, 1932 in Platteville the son of Arthur J. and Dora (Holzer) Byrnes. He graduated from Platteville High School in 1951, where he lettered in football. He was united in marriage to Lila Molzof on January 3, 1952 at St. Mary's Catholic Church. He worked at the Platteville Locker Plant for ten years. He then worked for the Platteville Telephone Company for 30 years retiring in 1991. He was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. Richard was an avid sportsman and outdoor enthusiast where he enjoyed fishing, hunting (north of town) and doing farm chores at LeRoy's. He embraced travelling and spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He was devoted to his loving wife and children, where he displayed unconditional love and a generous heart. He is survived by his wife, Lila; five children, Dennis (Debra) Byrnes of Bettendorf, IA; Cheryl (Terry) Cushman of Platteville; Kim (Terrell) Olson of Mt. Horeb, WI; Lisa B. (Larry) VanNatta of Madison; Heidi (Daric) Heim of Platteville; 11 grandchildren, Heather (Scott) Isley, Brendan and Catherine Byrnes, Cole, Carter, Carly (Kyle) Cushman, Emily and Matthew (Erin) Olson, Hillary, Trevor and Kylie Heim; two great-grandchildren Nolan Pierce and Chloe Isley; two step-great-grandchildren; brother, Clinton (Becky) Byrnes of Beaver Dam, WI; sister-in-law, Judy Byrnes of Belmont, WI; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by an infant son, Andrew in 1959, his parents, sisters, Doris McCabe, Helen Patzner and Marion Beyer, brothers Francis “Buddy” and Cletus Byrnes.

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PW
Pamela McCabe Wunderlin
Other •
So sorry for Dick's death. I always enjoyed knowing and seeing him over the years since I was little. A great guy. To me he was always a part of that telephone company family.....those were the days.....seems like only yesterday. He was always a friendly face and nice to talk to. Lila and family remember all the joys. Pam
BK
Bob Kliebenstein
Other •
My condolences to Dick's family. Several years have passed since Dick visited my parents, Sandy and Dorothy Kliebenstein (Truman) before they moved from Belmont to Janesville. He stopped by the house in Belmont one afternoon when I was home visiting my parents. It was good timing for a nice visit. I remember Dick as someone with quick wit and always a good story from years gone by about Cletus and my Dad from their Truman years. Bob Kliebenstein Tomah WI
TK
terry kramer
Other •
Very sorry for your loss, I always enjoyed talking to Richard, I believe he was a good friend to my Dad and Uncle Paul.
PL
Paula Busby Latta
Other •
I am sending my best thoughts and prayers to your family during this difficult time. I hope that you remember all the good memories. While it was long ago, I still remember happy times 'hanging out' at your home. The Byrnes family and kitchen was always a friendly place because of the people in it. While I can't be with you in person, I am with you in spirit. -Paula
BK
Bruce and Laura (Byrnes) Klein
Other •
Been thinking of Uncle Dick since I heard of his passing. I'll always remember the "turtle hunting" episodes. He loved the outdoors. Don't ever remember Dick not having a smile on his face. To the family---so sorry for your loss---To heaven--what a reunion with the Byrnes boys.
DW
Don "Buster" Wilson
Other •
Until now I didnt know how lucky I was to meet Dick and his family dining at a recent Elk's Fish Fry, we had over an hour to visit and catch up on old times. "Well hello Buster" was his usual greeting, Dick nicknamed me after my dog when we first met back in the eighties. Flirtatious as I always was to Dick and Lila's daughters, he'd say "Buster, why don't you marry one of them?" Dick, I would marry any one of them just to claim you as my Father-in-law. We'd both grin, satisfied with our mutual admiration. We're all truly blest to crisscross your path, Dick. Buster

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