Perry Wayne Nyseth

Perry Nyseth, age 81, of Mondovi, passed away on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, at Dove Healthcare – West, Eau Claire.

Perry Wayne Nyseth was born at the Mondovi Clinic Hospital to Alton and June (née Perry) Nyseth on April 2, 1945. He was baptized and confirmed at the First Congregational Church of Mondovi. A forever-proud 1963 Mondovi High School graduate, Perry went on to attend Winona State College. When his father Alton, owner of the Mondovi Herald-News, fell gravely ill, Perry returned home to operate the family business — and their small family farm — with his mother June. His father passed in January 1966 at age 52.

He married Diane Rose Spindler at Eau Claire’s Our Redeemer Lutheran Church on June 18, 1966. Soon after, the couple settled into what at first seemed like a too-big white house on a way-too-big North Jackson St. lot in Mondovi. There, they raised two sons, Chad and Hal. Perry and Diane celebrated nearly 52 married years, separated by her untimely passing in 2018.

At age 12, Perry began folding issues of the Mondovi-Herald News for delivery. That first job marked the start of his 54-year career in newspapering and printing. Although he learned some of the trade from his father, he learned the rest by just doing it. A pen and notepad ever-present in his shirt pocket, and usually lugging his 15-lb. Graflex camera setup, Perry documented our lives in news reports and photos. If you lived in the Mondovi area during the past 50-something years, there’s a better-than-good chance he printed your name and picture in the pages of his Herald-News. Perry and Diane eventually purchased the Mondovi enterprise from his mother in 1985, and, thanks to a dedicated team of employees, published weekly newspapers for 25 years without a missed deadline.

Perry believed in giving back to the community he loved. He held numerous leadership roles in the Mondovi Conservation Club, Ducks Unlimited Chapter, Jaycees, and Business Association. He enjoyed working with Buffalo County 4-H youth and coaching kids' baseball teams. In 2008, the Lions Club International Foundation honored Perry’s decades of humanitarian service to his community and the Mondovi Lions Club by naming him a Melvin Jones Fellow, the LCIF’s highest honor; through 2019, Perry was still slinging burgers at the Lions Buffalo County Fair food stand, planning the club's pancake breakfasts, and organizing chili-and-grilled-cheese suppers. He was always ready to lend a hand with fellowship events at Our Savior’s United Methodist Church, Mondovi, clean-up projects and seasonal decorating. Although Perry suffered a stroke in January 2020, he was proud to support the new Mondovi Public Library project and sponsor Mondovi Sharing Table meals.

He was a devoted, loving husband to his wife Diane, his partner in life, in parenting, and in business. They were a match made in Heaven, where they’re now reunited. Perry's two sons learned by his example the values of showing up, keeping one’s word, exhibiting honesty, working hard, showing respect, caring for others, and expressing love. He always did his best for his boys, and that was always more than enough. Perry adored his grandkids, actively supporting their hobbies and interests; “Grp" traveled near and far to celebrate their life milestones and cheer their achievements.

Perry held a deep appreciation for nature and the outdoors. He enjoyed quiet daily walks “out back” in the little woods behind his home, escorted by his dogs and cats. He preferred to travel scenic country backroads to get somewhere — or nowhere in particular. At his Lake Eau Claire cottage, Perry captained three-hour pontoon cruises and even-longer walleye-fishing charters, winding down those family days around a campfire.

He relished conversations with family, friends, neighbors, and strangers. Most mornings (and many afternoons), Perry joined his favorite folks at a local café for coffee sipping, dice shaking, and smart talking over a plate of whole-wheat peanut-buttered toast. During these daily gatherings, Perry’s smile, good nature, quick wit, and cache of one-liners were on full display. At other times, he supported others by sitting with them in the quiet to “just be.”

Perry Nyseth is survived by his son Chad; his son Hal (Michelle); his grandson Michael; and his granddaughter Isabella. Perry is blessed that his memory will also live on through his sisters-in-law Cynthia (Rev. W. Roger) Stauffer and Maxine (Ronald) Kalisz; and his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. He is further survived by his sister Mary (William) Hollister and family.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Diane; his parents Alton and June; his grandparents Edward and Arvilla Perry; his stepfather William Ender; his mother-in-law Janet (Reinhardt) Spindler; his stepfather-in-law Ronald Marmsoler; and his nephew John Kalisz.

We invite you to celebrate Perry’s Nyseth’s life at an 11:00 a.m. memorial service on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, at Talbot Family Funeral Home – Mondovi Chapel, with a visitation beginning one hour prior. Inurnment at Oak Park Cemetery, Mondovi, immediately follows the service. A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, from 4:00-7:00 p.m., also at Talbot Family Funeral Home – Mondovi Chapel.

Perry sincerely hoped that his small contributions bettered our broader community — Mondovi, Gilmanton, Modena, Eleva, Strum — for all. In that spirit, he would encourage you to donate your time, talents or resources to further the missions of our local charities and service organizations including the Mondovi Lions Club, Buffalo County Humane Association, Mondovi Public Library, Mondovi Food Pantry, Friends of Buffalo County 4-H, and Mondovi Area Historical Society.

To Perry’s exceptional team of caregivers who were never farther than a whistle away: each one of you is an angel on Earth. Our family is profoundly grateful for the care, comfort, and companionship that you provided to our dad, grandpa, and uncle during the last miles of his journey. Thank you.

Talbot Family Funeral Homes and Scenic Rivers Cremation Center are assisting the Nyseth family. Family and friends may share online condolences and memories at www.talbotfuneralhomes.com.