Deacon Donald J. Lydolph

Deacon Donald Joseph Lydolph joined the Lord in Heaven on October 10, 2024 after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was born in Fairfield, Iowa to the late Paul Edward and Martha Lee Eulalia (Newcomb) Lydolph. He graduated from Riverside High School in Milwaukee, WI in 1963.

On July 5, 1969, he married Jane Udovich who he knew he wanted to marry the night they met. Don served our country as an air traffic controller in the Marines from 1964-1968. He was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. 

Don worked at the Kohler Company in the Pottery Division as a foreman and supervisor from 1968-2007. He was a faithful and respected employee, but nothing gave him more joy than donning his elf costume and rosy cheeks for the annual children’s Christmas party.

Deacon Don was ordained on June 13, 1981 by the most Reverend Rembert G. Weakland OSB at St. John the Evangelist Cathedral. He proudly served as the president of the Deacon Senate. He was Deacon of St. Dominic’s Catholic Church in Sheboygan from 1981 until his retirement. During this time, he brought 100s of babies into the Church through baptism, blessed the marriage of many young couples as they opened a new chapter in their lives, and was instrumental in bringing the SHARE program to the area making sure those in need had access to food. He touched many lives in the community through his tireless desire to give to others and serve the Lord. 

For many years, Don was involved in the Knights of Columbus. He served as Grand Knight for Our Lady of the Rosary Council #722. As a 4th Degree Knight, he served as a Faithful Navigator of the Monsignor Phillip Dries Assembly #1204. Other services of note include many years as night chaplain of St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan and leading a Webelos Boy Scout Troop. 

Don is survived by his adored wife of 55 years, Jane; three daughters, Amy Lydolph (David Meyer), Wendy (Jason) Kossman, Martha (Tarrant) Csida; four grandsons, Maxwell (Catherine) Kossman, Deegan Kossman (Megan Ecker), Sylas and Dextyr Csida; brothers, Paul and Tom, and many more beloved family and friends. 

He was proceeded in death by his parents, twin brother Ed, youngest brother Andy, his In-Laws: Anthony (Virginia) Udovich and infant grandson Ryker Csida. 

Don will be remembered for his willingness to help all in need and for his infectious smile!

A Mass of Christian Burial for Deacon Don will take place at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at St. Dominic Catholic Church, 2133 N 22nd St. in Sheboygan with Father Patrick Wendt officiating. Family will greet visitors on Wednesday at church from 11:00 AM until the time of the mass. 

His family would like to thank the loving incredible staff at Pine Haven Christian Home-Haven Campus as they cared for him with great kindness the last two and a half years. With a special thank you to Sady and Kory who graciously volunteered their time to assist grandpa at the recent wedding of Maxwell and Catherine- his last Hoorah! They would also like to extend gratitude to the staff at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice who helped them navigate this difficult time.