Lloyd George Rynda

Lloyd George Rynda, age 95, of Montgomery, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, September 18, 2026.

Born on October 6, 1930, in Montgomery, Lloyd was the son of Theodore and Florence (Becker) Rynda. He was raised on the family farm, where he worked alongside his father tending crops, milking cows, and caring for livestock. He attended St. Raphael Catholic School in Montgomery and graduated from Montgomery High School with the Class of 1948. In January 1953, Lloyd was drafted into the United States Army and was stationed at Camp Hanford, Washington. Following his honorable discharge, he returned home to Montgomery, purchased a farm, and began farming. In addition to farming, Lloyd worked as a salesman for Archer Oil for many years.

Through the St. Anthony Messenger, Lloyd and Geraldine Zach began corresponding as pen pals. Their first meeting took place on Geraldine's birthday when Lloyd drove to Seneca, Wisconsin. Their friendship soon blossomed into a loving courtship. On November 30, 1968, Lloyd was united in marriage to Geraldine at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Seneca, Wisconsin. Together they made their home on a farm in rural Montgomery, where they raised five children.

Farming was not just Lloyd's livelihood, it was his passion. Deeply rooted in his Catholic faith, he often prayed the Rosary while milking cows and frequently listened to "The Radio Rosary" while he worked. Throughout his life, he witnessed remarkable changes in agriculture, from carrying a lantern to light the barn before dawn to seeing tractors equipped with advanced technology capable of steering themselves. Lloyd was actively involved in the agricultural community as a member of the Shipping Association, where he served as secretary-treasurer, and was also a member of DHIA and the Cattle Feeders Association. After he and Geraldine moved to town, they faithfully prayed the Rosary together each evening following supper. Lloyd rarely missed Sunday Mass until his health no longer allowed him to attend.

In retirement, Lloyd continued serving others by driving for Aging Services, providing transportation to many elderly members of the community. He demonstrated his love for his family through his actions, instilling in his children a strong faith and a deep appreciation for agriculture. He enjoyed playing the harmonica, listening to polka music, reading, spending time in prayer, and cracking black walnuts to share with family and friends and donate to church festivals. Lloyd also cherished preserving his family's heritage, translating his grandmother Christina Becker's diaries from Czech into English so future generations could better understand and appreciate their family history.

Lloyd was a faithful member of Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery, where he served as a lector. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, volunteering at the KC hot dog stand and serving as a KC Rosary leader, and was also a member of the Montgomery American Legion Club. He will be remembered as a strong-willed and independent man whose unwavering devotion to his wife and family was evident throughout his life. As a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and provider, he led by example, leaving a legacy of faith, perseverance, and love.

Lloyd is survived by his wife of 57 years, Geraldine; children, Susan (Gerald) Schmitz of Brooten, Francis (Theresa) Rynda of Montgomery, Daniel (Michelle) Rynda of New Prague, Dorothy (Lee) Kopp of Plum City, Wisconsin, and Edith (Dominick Kevin) Armenti of Otsego; grandchildren, Matt Schmitz (Tessa Halvorson), Zach (Amber) Schmitz, Kendra (Luke) Dehmer, and Luke Schmitz; Isaac (Brittney) Rynda, Rachel (Owen) Scheffler, Noah Rynda, and Levi Rynda; Allison Rynda and Adam Rynda; Madelyn Kopp and David Kopp; brothers, Milo Rynda of New Prague and Giles Rynda of Hastings; sister-in-law, Shirley Rynda of Montgomery; brothers-in-law, Bernard (Betty) Zach, Donald Zach, and Paul Zach, all of Seneca, Wisconsin; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Florence Rynda; brother, Carl Rynda; sisters, Eleanor Rynda and Joyce (Milton) Korbel; sisters-in-law: Carolyn Rynda and Roseann Zach.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at the Montgomery Chapel of Schoenbauer Funeral Homes. A Knights of Columbus Rosary Service will begin at 3:30 PM. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to Mass at the church on Wednesday.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery. Interment with military honors will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Montgomery.