Denese M. Myers-Byington
Denese M. Myers-Byington, 85, of Tomahawk, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, at Riverview Health Services after contracting COVID-19.
Denese was born on November 1, 1934, to Harvey and Dorothea (Nebel) Luedtke, the second of eight children. She grew up on the family dairy farm in Lomira.
After graduation in 1953, Denese headed out to Kansas City to train as a flight attendant for TWA. Upon arriving in the “big city,” she didn’t even know how to use a pay phone to call home. Denese enjoyed flying for over twenty years and told many colorful stories about her favorite overseas flights.
In 1976, Denese moved to the Northwoods to work for her sister, Donna, at her women’s clothing store in Tomahawk. There she met and married Jim Myers in 1977. Unfortunately, Jim passed away in 1986.
Denese was lucky enough to find happiness again when she met Casey Byington, the man who could always make her laugh. They were married on October 26, 1990. They both loved to golf and Denese was especially proud of her hole-in-one.
After retiring, Denese and Casey bought a winter getaway in Bradenton, FL, where they could start every morning with a round of golf or a walk on the beach. The two of them were a well-known couple in Bradenton and Tomahawk, stopping regularly at many local establishments to share laughter and good cheer. Sadly, Casey passed away first on July 22, 2018, after 28 years of marriage.
Denese is survived by one sister, Donna (Ron) Sterr, of Tomahawk; one brother-in-law, Lloyd (Sally) Byington, and one sister-in-law, “Chub” (Janice) Byington, both of Wonewoc; five step-children, Nancy (Leslie) Myers of Hortonville, Tom (Sandy) Myers of Bradenton, FL, Terry (Tony) Barnes of Hillsboro, Kevin Byington of Greensboro, PA, and Suzanne (Chris) Beard of Rockton, IL; nine step-grandchildren, Tara Myers of Bradenton, FL, Ashley Pollock of Lakeland, FL, Tiffany (Lee) Barnes of Presque Isle, Ashley (Ken) Kishman of Monona, IA, Jared (Sarah) Barnes of Caledonia, MN, Corrine Byington of Wonewoc, Alexis Byington of Hudson, FL, Amanda Endicott of Waconda, IL, and Kayla Brewer of Louisville, KY; further survived by 16 step-great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, as well as many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey and Dorothea; her siblings, Diane Luedtke, Darlene Gampka, Randy, Leon, Joel Luedtke, and an infant sister, Debra; her two husbands, Jim and Casey; a stepson, Kent Byington; and a step-grandson, Kyle Brewer.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private family graveside service will be held on at the Trinity United Methodist Salem Cemetery in Lomira.
Memorials may be made in Denese’s honor to Riverview Health Services, Att: Tina Elvins, 428 N. 6th St, Tomahawk, WI 54487.
