Richard D. Bye, 82

Richard D. Bye, a gentle man and a gentleman, passed into the fullness of life on Sunday, December 17, 2023, at the age of 82.

Richard was born August 23, 1941 in Wausau, Wis.; son of the late David and Marian (née Zastrow) Bye. His family later moved to Marinette, Wis., where Richard would graduate as a proud member of Marinette High School’s Class of 1959.

A few years after high school, Richard made a life-changing decision; he proudly enlisted in the U.S. Army in November of 1963. His journey began at Fort Leonard, MO, where he completed basic training. From there, he enrolled in the U.S. Army Electronics School at Fort Monmouth in New Jersey where he learned electromechanical repair. He also entered the kryptogram school. This led to an opportunity to serve his country in Korea, where he served for 18 months as a decoder.

Upon his Honorable discharge, he was hired at IBM in Chicago, where he was trained for and worked as a computer technician. For 32 years, he dedicated his career to building and maintaining mainframe computers for large companies such as Sentry, Tombstone, and Aspirus, among others.

Richard was not only dedicated to his career, he was highly dedicated to his family as well. While he worked hard to support his family, his family, in turn, was there to support him. On May 24, 1990, Richard married Paulette Matecki. The two were crazy in love with each other for 33 years, plus forever. Richard was most proud of his family; he was a doting husband as well as devoted father to his daughter, Michelle, and his son, Michael.

Paulette finds great peace knowing her beloved is experiencing more joy than she could possibly imagine in this world. She will continue to share the love she always knew from Richard, with all she meets on this journey from life to new life. Morning has broken, my dear sweetheart.

Richard is lovingly survived by his wife, Paulette; his daughter, Michelle; his son, Michael; sisters-in-law; brothers-in-law, many nieces and nephews who were so dear to him and his special cousins who will so miss his tongue-in-cheek sense of humor.

Richard will join his mother, Marian; his father, David; his uncles, Bob and Harold; his aunt, Liz; and many other dear souls waiting to welcome him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Richard’s honor at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at Holy Spirit Parish, 2151 Stanley St., Stevens Point. Rev. Steve Brice will officiate. There will be no visitation prior to Mass. Burial will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be given to the Salvation Army or Holy Spirit Parish in Richard’s name.

Shuda Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family. Online condolences may be left by visiting www.shudafuneral.com.