Yvonne Linda Dyer

Yvonne L. Dyer, nee Svarstad, of Barrington, IL, formerly of Chicago and Antioch, IL and Sun City West, AZ, passed peacefully May 27, 2020. She is survived by her sister, Theone (Mike) Fish; her children: Richard, Jr. (Dena), Sheryl (Joseph) Schmidt, Dennis, Brian, Susan (Steve) Laudick; her grandchildren: Justin (Dawn), Nicholas (Colleen), Lucas (Tina), Meghan (Jim), Lauren, Natalie, Richard, III and Danielle; and her great-grandchildren: Cael, Colden, Shannon, Chase, Lanie, Stella, Sloane, Rory and Stone. Yvonne was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 66 years, Richard D. Dyer, Sr.; her parents, Peter and Hjordis Svarstad; her sister, Gudrun; her daughter-in-law, Anita Merkel Dyer; and her grandson, Stephen Laudick, Jr.

Yvonne, (affectionately called Rusty), was the daughter of Norwegian immigrant parents. She grew up on the north side of Chicago, making many life-long friends. Yvonne met and married Dick Dyer and raised their children in Franklin Park, Skokie and then moved to Antioch to enjoy life on the Chain-o-Lakes; boating, playing golf, tennis, and bowling. She also enjoyed spending time learning about her heritage and culture with The Sons of Norway/Scandinavian Club of Arlington Heights, and her most favorite past time, appearing on the stage of PM&L Theater and Andres Steakhouse Dinner Theater. Yvonne loved old “classic” movies, especially musicals. She enjoyed reading, cooking, travel, playing bridge, visiting with her children and grandchildren, and laughing with friends old and new, near and far.

Early in her career Yvonne was a make-up artist and owner of Yvonne’s Cosmetics. Later, she was a proud Union member, secretary and executive bookkeeper for the United Auto Workers Local 1643. Upon her retirement from the UAW, Yvonne and Dick retired to Sun City West Arizona (their only regret was that they hadn’t done so earlier) where they reconnected with dear friends from Chicago and made a host of new friends. She continued to act, starring on the stage of Sun City West’s Stardust Theater. She was the originator and Queen Mum of Rusty’s Red Hatters and enjoyed bowling, shopping, golf, bocce ball and computer club. Dick and Yvonne were active members of The Sons of Norway: Sol Byer Lodge 6-134 and The Sun City Elks Lodge #2559.

Yvonne returned to the Chicago area after Dick’s passing in 2017 to be near her family. We could count on a smile on her face, a funny line to recite (while rolling her eyes), and a gesture of love and gratitude to share. Yvonne Linda Dyer: bright, bold, beautiful and brilliant, classy, sometimes sassy, fiery red-head, funny, determined advocate, kind, animal loving, nurturing daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, auntie, friend, colleague, co-star, our star…forever in our hearts.

A Celebration of Life Mass will be held Friday, June 26, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 135 S. Buesching Rd., Lake Zurich, IL 60047 (Masks and social distancing required).

Private Burial will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimers Association at alz.org or to JourneyCare Hospice Foundation at journeycare.org