John D. Dyer

DYER, JOHN DONALD

John Donald Dyer, 87, of Appleton, died Thursday, November 25, 2010 at Brewster Village. He was born September 4, 1923 in Toronto, Canada. John was the son of the late George and Pauline (Tripplehorn) Dyer. He married Jewel Verhulst on May 3, 1947. John was general manager of the Oshkosh Container Division Plant of Georgia-Pacific Corporation in Oshkosh. He was a graduate of Lawrence College (Lawrence University), and earned his M.B.A. from the University of Chicago.

He served with the army in Europe during World War II and was a member of the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge. John was awarded both the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart.

During his years in Oshkosh he was president of Associated Industries prior to its merger with the Oshkosh Area Association of Manufacturers and Commerce. He was also president of Chamco, Inc., Hooper Building, and a founding director of the Oshkosh Area United Way. John was a director and vice-chairman of the Oshkosh National Bank (Bank One).

Much of his activity in the Oshkosh area was in fund raising. He was general chairman of the Citizen's Committee for funding the Congressman William A. Steiger Memorial Wing of the Oshkosh Public Museum. He was special gifts chairman during the rebuilding of the Salvation Army in Oshkosh. In addition, he was a trustee and chairman of the board of Wayland Academy, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, as well as trustee of Carroll College (Carroll University), in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

John and Jewel enjoyed winters in Vero Beach, Florida, for twenty-five years. In Florida, John was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church and was an avid bridge player and square dancer. He was also a member of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants, Stephen Hopkins Chapter. John served the chapter as captain. He was also a member of the John Howland Society.

John is survived by his wife: Jewel Dyer; and their daughters: Denise (Dick) Haight, Daryl (Donnie) Slye, and Debby Dyer; four grandchildren: Mike (Cory) Haight, Erin (Josh) Chudacoff, Rebecca Slye, and Jimmy (Erica) Slye; four great-grandchildren: Lillie and Cameron Chudacoff, and Emily and Allison Haight. He was preceded in death by his son, Jack Dyer.

The memorial service for John will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME with Pastor David Rosene officiating. Inurnment will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Appleton. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials gifts may be made to: Children's Hospital of Wisconsin – Rebecca Fund, c/o Children's Hospital Foundation, 5583 Waterford Lane, Suite A, Appleton, WI 54913 or Lawrence University/Bjorklunden, Office of Development, 711 E. Boldt Way, Appleton, WI 54911.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920)739-1231