Lost to Time: A collection of local World War II stories.

Over the past 25 years, retired science teacher Michael Lyga has rolled up his sleeves and dug deep into the stories of Wisconsin veterans.

He started digging into his father’s stories, a World War II artillery officer, which morphed into collecting and researching local stories — not just the surface-level stories, but these men and women’s reasons to keep going and the families that were waiting for and supporting them.

“I want people, whether they be a high school student or an adult, to learn about World War II, and what the men and women of the time experienced and accomplished,” said Lyga. “To know something about the event that impacted this person’s life.”

Lyga has researched and climbed through rabbit holes to uncover the complete, true stories of these people’s humane sides.

He has connected with descendants of World War II veterans, had students help match names in the stories to people, collected photos and documents for people across Wisconsin and so much more.

“I wanted the humanity…” said Lyga. “So many books talk about the generals and the tactics and all that. And I wanted more than that. I wanted to talk about humanity. What impact did it have on these men and women and the people in their lives?”

Lyga’s prior book focused on his hometown of Independence.

His second book was going to focus on Trempealeau County and the veterans’ stories from that area of Wisconsin.

Still, that idea evolved into a two-volume set that mentions 230+ veterans across the state.

“There are stories in the book that range from Odanah up on the Lake Michigan shoreline to the Illinois border, and as I say, from coast to coast, from the Mississippi River to Lake Michigan,” said Lyga.

To contribute to Lyga’s goal and learn about the local World War II stories, visit https://www.amazon.com/s?k=michael+lyga.

You can also purchase a set or either volume from the author directly. Email Michael Lyga at lyga@new.rr.com.

Lyga is also available to speak in schools or adult organizations.