Maralyn Louise Byrd

MIDDLETON - Maralyn Louise Byrd, age 83, of Middleton, passed away on Thursday, November 20, 2025. She was born on September 24, 1942, in Stone Lake, Wis., the daughter of Herman and Marie (Barnhardt) Pongratz.

Maralyn graduated from Middleton High School and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She married Von Byrd on December 18, 1965, in Madison, Wis.

Maralyn was an elementary school teacher for the Verona Public Schools, Chillicothe (Ohio) Public Schools and Madison Country Day School. Maralyn was dedicated to her career as an educator, was passionate about reaching her students, and was beloved by students and parents alike.

Maralyn was very social and was in her element spending time with her family and friends. Maralyn loved to travel, visiting some 40 countries across the globe. She was an avid cook and baker. Maralyn loved nature, gardening, long walks, biking, tennis, and playing Mah Jong and Bridge. Maralyn especially enjoyed art, music, plays and other civic events. Maralyn was a wonderful dog mom for the family dogs, Tina, Hannah, and Abby. She also shared her time volunteering with Ronald McDonald House, the American Girl doll hospital and other organizations.

Maralyn is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Byrd, and son-in-law, Adam Berkoff (Chicago); granddaughter, Abra Berkoff (Middleton); and her beloved dog, Abby. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Eileen Pongratz (Madison); brother-in-law, Gene (Kay) Byrd (Tennessee); and sister-in-law, Lorene Byrd (Tennessee); as well as nieces, nephews, and extended family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Von Byrd; parents, Herman and Marie Pongratz; brothers, Raymond Pongratz, Ralph Pongratz, and Herman Pongratz; nephew, Robert Pongratz; in-laws, Frank and Joanna Byrd; sisters-in-law, Joan (Byrd) Smith, Rosalie Pongratz, and Peggy Byrd; brother-in-law, Carl Byrd; and her adored dogs, Tina and Hannah.

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, at 12 noon on Saturday, December 6, 2025. Burial will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.
 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dane County Humane Society, the Henry Vilas Zoo or the Chazen Museum of Art.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761