Richard A. Bye

Richy, 77, Moorhead, MN, passed away peacefully at Elim Rehab and Care Center, September 10^th, 2019 in Fargo, ND. His perseverance and determination to live never diminished throughout his painful and courageous battle with kidney and liver failure.  His love for his family, and his orneriness, gave him the strength to carry on until God called him home.

Richard Arlen Bye was born October 1^st, 1941 to Ellen (Amundson) Bye and Sedvin Bye on the family farm near Comstock, MN.  Richy attended grade school in Comstock, MN, and graduated from Barnesville, MN.  After high school he proudly served six years in the Army National Guard.  Richy married Donna Gilbery on October 5^th, 1963. Together they built a country life and raised two girls in Rustad, MN.  Known as Dick Bye, he delivered packages for UPS for over 31 years before retiring in 1999.  During his time with UPS he made many connections with fellow drivers and customers that developed into lifelong friendships.

Richy was an avid sports fan.  He enjoyed many years throwing horseshoes and playing fastpitch.  He was an enthusiastic sports Dad and Grandpa.  He was proudest when cheering on his girls, and later his four grandkids, when playing ball or attending school activities.  His cheers and heckles were heard and recognized upon entering the facility and throughout the game; encouraging the players, cheering for the underdog and keeping referees accountable.  His absence at sporting events will leave a great void on those that knew and heard him.  He was an active member of Hoff Lutheran Church for over 55 years, serving church council, many annual turkey dinners and at present time custodian for over 40 years.  He took great pride in stocking “Richy’s Hardware” for neighbors and passerby’s when they needed gas, tools, or parts.  He enjoyed helping others in his beloved community of Rustad.  He loved to be around people and people loved to be around him.  By far and large his greatest love was his family.

Richy is survived by his wife, Donna, of Moorhead, MN; two daughters, Nickole (Matt Larson) Wolf of Milnor, ND, and Heather (Kevin) Bergemann of Lisbon, ND, and grandchildren Tyler and Tristan Wolf, Easton and Brooklyn Bergemann; brother, Orland (JoAnne) Bye of Tulsa, OK; niece, Susan (Tim) Schildt of Dallas, TX; nephews, Mike (Tracy) Bye of Dallas, TX, James Bye of Tulsa, OK and Jason Bye of Tulsa, OK; sisters-in-law, Joan (Jim) Peckham, Becky (Gary) Olson, Geri (Russ) Jalbert, Avalee Upton and several close nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a nephew, Robert Bye of Tulsa, OK.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Elim Rehab and Care Center and Dr. Phadke of Sanford.  To the 3^rd St. Care Team at Elim, thank you for the wonderful, personal care you gave him. You treated him like he was your own.  Always protecting his pride and dignity and giving him your time, attention, and interest.  He felt cared for and comfortable under your care.  To Dr. Phadke, words cannot express our gratitude for your genuine concern of our beloved Dad.  Your thoughtfulness, compassion and words of understanding and comfort were beyond measure. Thank you for giving of your time, day or night, making his comfort a priority. You will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Elim Rehab and Care Center or Hoff Lutheran Church.

A visitation will be held on Monday, September 16, 2019 from 5:30-7:00 PM with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN.

The visitation will continue Tuesday, September 17, 2019 from 10:00-11:00 AM followed by the funeral service at 11:00 at Hoff Lutheran Church, Rustad, MN.

Burial will be in Hoff Lutheran Cemetery, rural Rustad, MN.

Video tribute and online guestbook at www.wrightfuneral.com