Tyler’s Life
Tyler was born during an ice storm on March 15, 1989 at Appleton Memorial Hospital with Daddy right by my side. And boy did Dad let out a big sigh when the doctor said it was a boy! He was so happy to have a son. We both were. We were living in Seymour, WI at the time. His Mammaw came up from Ohio to meet her new grandson and help with his sisters, Amy and Jessica.
It's funny the things you remember that stand out. When we took Tyler home from the hospital I was worried and thought something was wrong with him. His two sisters both had colic when they were babies and loved to cry and challenge us, Tyler didn't, he never cried. When he was a little bigger I would take him to the local grocery store. When we walked across the parking lot he would always take my hand to be safe. As he got older he joined the Cub Scouts. He seem to really enjoy being part of a group of boys and taking part in all the activities. He came in first in the Pine Wood derby his first year, I still have his car and uniform shirt. Then the pumpkin carving contest, their he was in first place again, great times. Tyler played football one year in school, I don't think he really enjoyed it so that ended.
Tyler was always coming up with ideas for me. First he wanted me to plant the field behind the house full of Black Walnut trees (a good investment he told me). Then he thought I should dig a big pond, I did some research, asked question and thought maybe. His latest idea was to plant wild flowers in the field and start having bee hives. After some research and a lot of thought I planted the field full of flowers, yellow two different whites, three kinds of purple, beautiful. So many butterflies, bees and humming birds everywere, he was right.
He loved learning and he went off to college in Platteville, WI. We both sure learned a lot when he started college, transportation, people, housing, food, budget. One time Tyler's grandpa came with me to help Tyler pack up and come home for the summer, we all had a good time. He also did a semester abroad in Italy his last year. He took so many pictures and brought home some souveniers and memories. He told me when he got there he couldn't understand the language and it was a huge challenge. But old Ty made quick friends and he started traveling to other European places, and cliff diving, crazy.
After college, Tyler was very independent and went out got a job and started working. He changed jobs a few times but always for the better. He loved the job he had at a major bank as an underwritter, the economy got tight and was cought up in down sizing. He decided to go back to school and take a couple of cources at UW Oshkosh with computers. This lead him to an even better job that he excelled at in IT. -Dad
We want to celebrate Tyler's life and what he did and all he means to us. I miss him, and think about him Everyday. -Dad
Tyler was so good at hunting, it was so easy for him. The first year I took him turkey hunting we were practicing at a target. He was down on one knee aimed and shot, roled him over backwards right on the ground, we laughed, and yes he got his first turkey that year. When he went deer hunting he always got a deer and it was the first thing in the morning on opening day. One year he was hunting with his uncle Larry in the afternoon and Tyler shot two deer and ran out of ammo. Crazy Lucky-Dad
Tyler enjoyed golfing but needed work, but he did get better. -Dad
Tyler loved his canoe trips down the Wisconsin River. Every year he would line up a group of his friends, plan out the trip and the stops they would make down river. He went with us to Mexico, many times at cabins on a lake and went to Europe with friends. -Dad
Memories:
I remember Tyler's girlfriend telling me that he would always defend and help those who needed it. Whether it was a girl being picked on at school from a guy or a college roommate who had a little too much and need a little help. He had a kind and good soul. - Mom
I played video games with Tyler growing up, specifically Mario Kart, and he would restart the game everytime I started winning. I was used to it and needless to say it was a long game. He enjoyed gaming as he got older, was a hobby of his. Jessica-Sister
The light has left the world, and a piece of my heart is forever darkened. Tyler was so many things, but a bright light is a great way to start describing him. I know that he would have hated such praise, and can almost hear his “eh…put” brush off, but I will say it anyway.There are so many memories of Tyler, big and small. From him having out presents at Christmas, fishing off the dock on vacation, golfing at the Sleepy Pete and him winning the raffles. He was so proud to host the family for Thanksgiving when he bought his house.
One particular memory that I have is of one summer project. We had decided to refinish our deck. It was an ambitious project that involved three different colors. Tyler was home from college on summer break and ended up doing most of the painting. It was a very time consuming and nitpick project because the deck was grey, the railing spindles white, and the rail posts and railing blue. With very little complaint, Tyler put a great effort into making it perfect for us. I never even thought at the time, that he may not have been able to see the blue, and know how beautiful hid work was. He was so supportive of the idea, and worked so hard and with such precision. That is just who he was.
He was always striving to be the best he could be, always learning, coming up with new ideas, encouraging others to excel. Tyler was a source of inspiration and support for me. His constant desire to be better, his open minded attitude toward change and new ideas, and most of all his acceptance of me as family were so special to me. I hope he knew how much he was loved. I am not good at communicating my feelings, but he was very much my son in my heart, and he will be forever missed. - Tina - Step momTyler lived a life defined by curiosity, kindness, and a genuine love for the people and experiences around him. He had an insatiable desire to learn, to explore new ideas, and to pursue excellence in whatever caught his interest. That drive shaped him from an early age and carried into every stage of his adulthood. -Cory
A Loyal Friend and Caretaker
Among his friends, Tyler was affectionately known as the caregiver in the friend group. At social events, he was the one who looked after those who needed support the most. He thrived in gatherings, not just because he enjoyed laughter and good company, but because he genuinely loved building relationships and finding like minded people. His friendships were built on loyalty, thoughtfulness, and a knack for making others feel valued.
Thoughtful and Kind
Tyler had a special heart for the underdogs in life. He was incredibly kind and empathetic, with a natural gift for listening. When someone was struggling, he would show up with steady support, offering both thoughtful advice and clever witticisms that could lighten the mood at just the right moment. His generosity extended to the gifts he gave as well. They were always simple, practical, and deeply personal crafted to meet the exact needs of the person receiving them.
Passions and Pastimes
Tyler’s interests reflected his wide-ranging curiosity. He loved board games, especially Catan, where he could mix strategy with a bit of playful competitiveness. Trivia was another favorite, giving him the chance to showcase both his sharp memory and love of learning.
Video games were a lifelong passion, with Call of Duty and Diablo III being two he played most often. He also enjoyed music in all its forms, with tastes ranging from mainstream to obscure and a particular fondness for German music. When not gaming or listening to music, Tyler often turned to audiobooks and podcasts. His favorite book, We Are Legion (We Are Bob) by Dennis Taylor, perfectly matched his love of science fiction, humor, and big, imaginative ideas.
Tyler was also skilled in the kitchen, most notably for his homemade beef jerky. Those who tasted it knew how much time, patience, and skill went into the process—and how much care Tyler put into perfecting it.
Dreamer of Shared Ventures
One of Tyler’s most endearing traits was his eagerness to share experiences and hobbies with the people closest to him. He often dreamed of starting small ventures with his brother or father whether it was making cutting boards to sell on Etsy, riding motorcycles together (he especially admired the 2020 Indian), planting fields of flowers with their dad to support beehives and source local honey, or even setting up a hot dog cart to serve burgers and brats. What mattered most to Tyler wasn’t the business itself, but the joy of building something side by side with people he loved.
Appreciator of Stories and Ideas
Movies and television shows were another source of joy for Tyler. Though he was often critical of films and quick to point out their flaws, he deeply appreciated the nuances, creativity, and storytelling that went into them. The streaming boom between 2010 and 2023 gave him a vast library of content to dive into, and he eagerly embraced it all.
Tyler was also passionate about politics and loved discussing complex ideas. He had a talent for speaking persuasively, yet he managed to navigate sensitive topics without creating conflict. His ability to stand firm in his beliefs while remaining respectful was something that stood out to everyone who engaged with him.
Family Above All
Above all else, Tyler loved his family. Though he wasn’t fond of being in photos, he cherished being part of family life, especially when it came to his nieces and nephew. He found joy in contributing to their happiness, like when he helped build a playset for his niece Charlotte, knowing that soon his nephew Colin would enjoy it too.
Lover of Animals
Throughout his life, Tyler shared his home with several dogs and cats, all of whom he loved deeply. His care for them reflected the same kindness and devotion he showed to people; loyal, attentive, and unconditional.
A Life Remembered
Tyler’s humor carried into even the everyday frustrations of life. He often joked about how much he hated work meetings claiming he spent more time sitting in them than actually doing meaningful work, with deadlines constantly pushed back because of it. Even in frustration, he found a way to laugh and make others laugh with him. He will be remembered as a man who was endlessly thoughtful, deeply curious, and devoted to his family, friends, and animals. Tyler lived with generosity, kindness, and a love for shared experiences. His presence left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him, and his memory will continue to inspire laughter, learning, and love. Tyler, I will always be thankful to you for everything. You accepted me with an open heart early on, and always worked to build a relationship. I’m so thankful that you were in my wedding and got to share that special moment for me. There are so many memories that I will cherish throughout my life with you. I love you, please look over all of us. ~ Cory