MADISON - William “Bill” Lizdas, age 74, of Madison, passed away on Friday, July 12, 2024, at Inglehaven Assisted Living in Mount Horeb, Wis. He was born on Oct. 19, 1949, at Saint Luke’s Hospital in Racine, Wis., and was the firstborn of Alphonse “Al” and Margaret Lizdas.

Bill graduated from Washington Park High School, where he met his future wife and mother of his children, Sheila Petersen. His love of photography began in his teens. While his siblings all took music lessons, Bill preferred a camera, and his parents built him a darkroom in their basement. Bill went on to graduate from the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater where he studied journalism, eventually leading to a distinguished career as a newspaper photographer.

His career in photojournalism started at the Racine Journal Times and took him across the state to various newspapers including the La Crosse Tribune, Green Bay Press Gazette, and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Bill captured images that told stories of what it was like to be human and took great pride in approaching his work carefully and in deliberate manner, without being flashy or sensational. He was admired by his peers for his talented visual storytelling, quiet and kind mannerisms, and his dedication to the craft.

For those wishing to honor him, we suggest you do something Bill-like today:

Smile at everyone you see, but also make some goofy faces at a few kids.

Go to a farmers’ market and make friends with the farmers.

Listen to some live music.

Dress up for the sake of style. Maybe consider a jaunty beret and a tweed vest.

Volunteer or help out in a way that makes the world a better place for others.

Take a picture with thought and intention and share it with others.

Go for a bike ride.

Pay attention to people who you think might be overlooked.

Do a little something for peace and justice.

Bill is remembered by his son, Ben Lizdas, for his love of literature, especially poetry; and his daughter-in-law, Christine Tanzer for ready smiles and his “oh-geez;” by his daughter, Sarah (Bodhi) Lizdas for his creative view of the world through photography and his smile project; by his grandchildren, Nya Lizdas for his scratchy wool hugs, and Esmé Lizdas, for shared afternoon teas and early morning walks; and his ex-wife and friend, Sheila Lizdas for never a dull moment since 1965. Additionally, he is survived by his brother, Dan (Marsha) Lizdas (the other “naughty Lizdas boy”); and his sisters, Jane (Dave) Paulson and Laura (Bill) Evans. He was preceded in death by his parents, Al and Margaret Lizdas.

Bill was laid to rest in a meadow at Natural Path Sanctuary in Verona, Wis., in a small family ceremony. A larger gathering is scheduled at THE FRIENDS SHELTER AT BLUE MOUNDS STATE PARK, 4350 Mounds Park Road, Blue Mounds, Wis., for what would have been his 75th birthday, on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, from 12:30 p.m. until 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers we would encourage you to purchase a state park pass and go on a long walk. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb

Funeral & Cremation Care

500 N. Eighth St.

(608) 437-5077

William "Bill" Lizdas

October 19, 1949 - July 12, 2024

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