Lorn M. Dilley

Lorn M. Dilley, age 69, of Appleton, WI passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 26, 2026.  He was born on March 13, 1956 in Appleton, WI to Arthur and Mary (Rozelle) Dilley and grew up on the northwest side of Appleton.  He graduated from Appleton High School West, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and went on to earn his Law Degree from Hamlin University, Saint Paul, MN.  Lorn practiced law for over 25 years culminating in the Dilley-Schomisch Law office building on College Avenue, Appleton, WI.

Lorn enjoyed physical activity, being a long-time member of the Appleton YMCA.  In his forties and fifties, he began training and running in many local races.  He loved pursuing various hobbies with his father, Art, with whom he had a very close relationship.  From snorkeling and scuba diving to motocross racing in his youth to flying their power parachute.  The two always had a project underway.  He had an equally close relationship with his mother, Mary.  Each Spring, Lorn would plant Mary’s flower garden under her guidance, fill the bird feeders for the birds she so loves to watch and maintain her home.  He was a great source of comfort for his mother after the loss of his father.

Lorn cared about family above all else and was always there when a family member needed help or advice.  His legal career helped family and friends, as well as many others who became his clients.  He was a very private, quiet man, with a huge heart.  He made this world a better place for everyone he loved.

Lorn was so patient with his fiancé, Sheryl’s need to take in a stray or feral cat.  His love for animals was always a source of humor.  He and Sheryl had a cat that loved to pester him by yowling every time he was on the phone.  His conversations with the family often included the cat and Lorn’s colorful demands for the cat to shut up.

Lorn will be deeply missed by his loving fiancé Sheryl Edwards, his mother Mary Dilley, Sturgeon Bay, WI: his siblings Susan Birch, Amery, WI; Lad (Kathy) Dilley, Crandon, WI; Rozelle (Brian) Smith, Hayward, WI; Sheryl’s siblings:  Randy Edwards, Milwaukee, WI; Steve (Shelly) Edwards, Clermont, FL; Jeff (Jerri) Edwards, Red Oak, TX; Joan (Lee) McDermot, Sherwood, WI;  Lorn’s nieces and nephews:  Jay Birch, Keeley Stevens and her children Keira (Anthony) Barton and son Finley, Ivy Stevens, Raya Stevens; Jonelle Dilley (Mike Guerra), Layton Dilley and his daughter Gaby; Sheryl’s nieces and nephews:  Courtney (Chrissy) Scott, Justin (Daria) Edwards, Ian McDermot (Abi Siebers), Keely McDermot (Michael Becker).

He was preceded in death by his father, Arthur Dilley, and his brother-in-law, Tim Birch:  Sheryl’s mother and father, Evelyn and Dale Edwards.

A celebration of Life for Lorn will be held at a later date.  For online condolences, please visit www.valleyfh.com.

Lorn,

I waited a long time to meet the person that held the qualities I respected.  Kindness, honesty and intelligence.  You had these qualities and more.  I will forever miss your sharp wit; You could always crack me up with your goofy stories and imitations.  Though we were together 26 years, it just wasn’t enough.  I will love and miss you for the rest of my life.

Love,

Sheryl

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