Michael D. Lyshoj

Thursday, April 14, 2016 4:15 pm

Michael D. Lyshoj, 62, of Primghar, formerly of Dubuque, passed away Thursday, April 7, 2016. Services are at 11 a.m., Tuesday, April 19, at Mueller Memorial Chapel at Linwood Cemetery. Burial is at Linwood Cemetery. The family is grateful to the many caregivers who supported Mike during the years, particularly the staff of Primghar Care Center, whose care during his years of declining health allowed him to live a comfortable and dignified life.
Mike was born Dec. 15, 1953, in Clinton, the youngest of the five children of Glenn and Geraldine (Olsen) Lyshoj. The family moved to Decorah, where Mike spent part of his childhood, before settling in Dubuque. Mike always considered Dubuque his home. Early in Mike’s life, his parents realized that due to a tragic birth accident, their beautiful little boy would face a life of challenges. This was at a time when mental disabilities were poorly understood and support programs scarce. Contrary to common advice of the period, they resolved to raise him at home. In addition to the unconditional love of his parents, his sometimes difficult life was blessed with a large and caring family and with countless acts of kindness and compassion on the part of family friends, members of the community and, on occasion, complete strangers encountered during his travels.

He  is survived by two brothers, Thomas (Kay) Lyshoj and Robert Lyshoj; and a sister, Lynda (Steve Perry) Lyshoj. He is also survived by nieces: Kirsten Lyshoj Sjostrand, Karin Lyshoj Johnston and Jessica Perry; and nephews Karl Lyshoj and Bob Perry.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Richard.