Lt. Colonel Edward William Tyre, USAF (ret)

Lt. Colonel Edward Tyre, USAF (ret)

Lt. Colonel Edward William Tyre, USAF (retired) of Brookfield, Wisconsin passed away on Thursday, July 28, 2021, at the age of 97. Edward died peacefully with his loving family at his side.

Edward was born in Joliet, Illinois on May 16, 1924, to father Edward Arthur and mother Pearl (Olson) Tyre. Edward was the oldest of three sons. He was raised in Maywood, Illinois, and graduated with honors from Proviso High School in 1942. It was Proviso that Edward met his lifelong companion and loving wife of 72 years Shirley (Liz) Elizabeth. Shortly after graduation, Edward joined the United States Army Air Corps, was sent to Centenary College and following pilot training was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in 1943. He was deployed to the European Theatre of Operations where he completed 50 combat missions in WWII as a co-pilot and lead pilot in the Martin “Marauder” B-26 attack bomber.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents, his two brothers, his son Kevin and his wife Liz. He is survived by six of seven children including Timothy (Marilyn), Douglas (Carletta Lembach), Brian (Julie Riemer), Elizabeth DiDomenico, Christopher (Lisa), and Margaret Vukelich (Pat). Edward had 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He had a long career in retail sales and management, managing several Klein’s and Herman’s Sporting Goods stores. Family Life was highlighted with boating on Lake Michigan and North Lake, salmon fishing, golf (even a hole in one), flying, growing tomatoes, lawn mowing, volunteering, and occasional trips to Disney World with Liz. Lt. Colonel Tyre was also known to the local aviation community as an invited speaker to numerous aviation organizations and flight schools. He volunteered for many years at the 440th Tactical Air Wing, Mitchell Field, and Capitol Airport in Brookfield on the flight line.

Lt. Colonel Tyre had a distinguished military history as a combat pilot with 26 years of commissioned service in both active and reserve components. His military decorations included European Campaign Medal with 4 battle stars and 9 Air Medals with oak leaf clusters. He retired with the rank of Lt. Colonel.

In April 2013. Lt. Colonel Edward William Tyre was Knighted (Chevalier) by the French government during a ceremony where he was awarded the French Legion of Honor Medal. His valor in difficult combat missions over France was acknowledged by French President Francois Hollande.

As a community (Stone Bank Lyons Club) and parish leader, (Parish Council and St. Vincent DePaul) and volunteer, a loving father, and most especially as a humble role model for unselfish service to others, Edward will be missed greatly. During this time of family grief, we are all heartened to know that Dad has reunited with his high school sweetheart in a peaceful loving heaven. Dad, we love you and salute you for duties accomplished above and beyond the call.

Services will be held at St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church in North Lake, Wisconsin on Saturday, August 28, 2021. Visitation 10:00 AM with Funeral Mass to follow. Military honors will be rendered at the burial service following Mass. Military service members are requested to wear their uniforms.

Edward Tyre’s unwavering love for his family and his humble but remarkable service to his country are examples for all of us.

In lieu of flowers or charitable donations, please consider performing a personal meaningful act of unconditional love or charitable service to honor the memory of our hero, Edward Tyre.