Joseph Lyon died peacefully at his home, surrounded by family, on November 12, 2019 in Arlington Heights, Illinois. He was 90 years old. Joe is survived by his children, Dave, Jim, Bill (wife Sue), and Don (wife Lori), nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Lois and siblings, Jim, Martha, and Jane. Joe was born on November 5, 1929 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to George and Florence Lyon (Peck). George was a Captain in the US Navy and his family moved frequently, living on both coasts, as well as China, the Philippines, and Panama. Joe graduated from Lowell High School, San Francisco, California, in 1947, enrolled at Beloit College, joined the Beta Theta Pi fraternity, and met the love of his life, Lois Hammerstrom. They were married shortly after graduation. Joe joined the Navy and served in Hawaii, California, and Guam. Following his discharge from the Navy, Joe worked for Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and in 1963 moved to Arlington Heights to work for WW Grainger. In 1983, Joe found a second career as the administrator of the Arlington Heights Memorial Library where he enjoyed crossing paths with friends in the community. Joe's children remember him as a loving husband and father, a man of principle who sought to improve the lives of all around him. Joe was an active member of the Arlington Heights community, serving in numerous civic and philanthropic organizations. He was particularly proud of his tenure as President of the District 214 school board, his involvement with Rotary International, and his relationship with the First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights. He will be remembered for his playful sense of humor and his ability to connect with people of all ages and from all walks of life. A celebration of Joe's life is scheduled for noon, Saturday, November 23rd, at the First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, with a reception to follow at the church. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights at 302 North Dunton Avenue, Arlington Heights, IL 60004.

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Published by Daily Herald from Nov. 18 to Nov. 21, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for JOSEPH LYON

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13 Entries

Robert Miller

June 8, 2023

Joe Lyons , R I P , just see this on here . I worked at W W Grainger , Inc . He was say my Boss , we talked alot , , , This is say real late , but never knew or heard of this , sorry for all the family ,

Robert Lipper

Their wedding day!

Judy Maerker Simmons Stephens

January 27, 2020

I have just collected my mail and am saddened to have the Christmas card that I had sent to Joe returned to me, marked deceased'. The world is a little bit darker without Joe in it.

My family first met the Lyons when we moved to Arlington Heights and began attending the Presbyterian Church. Their family had four boys, my family had four girls! We all got along famously.

My family continued to move often throughout the years, but I remained in touch with Joe and Lois. They were both such genuine, positive, delightful people. A perfect match!

Joe would always send me birthday cards signed by the most handsome young celebrity of the day; Sam Elliot, Tom Selleck, Brad Pitt...

I in turn would send him birthday cards signed by Sophia Loren, Raquel Welch, Elizabeth Taylor.

My heart is heavy as I write this, knowing that I'll not hear from him again.

He dearly loved his wife, his sons and his extended family. He was so proud of each of them.

Heaven got one special angel when Joe passed away. Much love to his family.

January 10, 2020

On behalf of the District 214 community, condolences to the family. Alva J Kreutzer, D214 Board of Education member.

Bruce Harley

December 12, 2019

Mr. and mrs. Lyon always made us feel special. I think they made everyone feel special. We will miss them both always.

Bruce, Valerie and Jonathan Harley

Yuka Iiboshi

November 29, 2019

I miss him greatly. He was always my side through my year as the foreign exchange student. He always made people around himself smile and fun.

Zoe Mather

November 24, 2019

I am so sorry to learn of Joes passing. He always had a smile & had something funny to say. I know life was hard for him after his wife's passing but he made the most out of the time he had left. We, in our church, will miss him greatly.

Dave Palmer

November 22, 2019

Condolences and peace to the Lyon family - I am so sorry for your loss. When my parents moved to Luther Village last year I ran into Joe and that big, warm smile greeted my sisters and me and gave us a sense of comfort in a stressful time. Joe was my confirmation advisor at 1st Pres when I was in 8th grade and he helped an awkward middle schooler make sense of the things we were exploring. I'm grateful for his life and for him bringing a smile to my face even now.

Elizabth DiVito

November 22, 2019

So sad to hear this, one of my favorite people ever.

Marilyn and Dick Hemsey

November 21, 2019

We were sorry to hear of Joe's passing. He was a wonderful friend to my father and a great support for my mother. Joe lived the good life.
May he rest in peace. Prayers for the family.

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Clare Logue

November 18, 2019

Mr. and Mrs Lyon; WHAT WOULD STONEGATE BE WITHOUT THE TWO OF THEM? Plus family of course...Now the two can be reunited, my 30 yrs of living in "the neighborhood, will always be special because of interacting with the Lyons. The corner house of Derbyshire will always be the Lyon's. My sincere condolence to Bill, Donny, and all the family.... May God be with all of you, knowing both your parents affected my life, and always be remembered. Blessings.....

David Borck

November 18, 2019

Joe was a co-worker at Grainger in Niles. He was always helpful and friendly, adding a good touch of humor to relationships. Saw him many times in town as well.. he will be missed. Condolences to the family.

November 18, 2019

Joe was a funny, lovely, and loving guy who will be missed dearly. He and Lois were both such special presences in my life for many years! Thinking of all Lyons great and small today. With love,
Becky Welzenbach

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