Dr. Donald Joseph Bye

A memorial mass for Dr. Donald Bye, age 87, of Onamia, formerly of Milaca, will be held Saturday, May 07, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Milaca with Father James Remmerswaal, OSC, officiating. Kathy Statz and the Saint Mary's Choir will provide music for the service. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church. Donald Joseph Bye was born August 22, 1923 to Albert and Florence (Putz) Bye in Bemidji, Minnesota. He spent his formative years in Bemidji. On June 25, 1945 he was united in marriage to Emma Saar. After graduating from the Illinois College of Optometry in 1949, he started a practice in Milaca, Minnesota. Don was very active in the Milaca Community. He was a Boy Scout Master and had several scouts achieve Eagle Scout. He was a founding member of the Milaca Golf Club. He was a charter member of the Lions Club and Chamber of Commerce. Don was also a founding member of Saint Mary’s Parish in Milaca. He was a 4th degree Knight of Columbus and Knight of the Year in 1966. He was a member of the Crosier Apostolate. Don served many years as treasurer of the Minnesota Optometric Association. Don and his wife, Em, traveled to Guatemala for a medical volunteer mission. He received the Distinguished Service Award from the Milaca Jaycee’s in 1982. His son, Doug, joined him in optometric practice in 1974. Together, they started a second practice in Foley, Minnesota in 1976. Don loved Mille Lacs Lake and spent many years on the south shore fishing, boating, and enjoying family and friends. After retirement, he spent winters in Arizona. In his later years, he enjoyed painting and theatre while living at Lake Song in Onamia, MN. Don passed away Monday, April 25, 2011 at the age of 87 years, 8 months, and 3 days at Colonial Acres in Golden Valley, MN. He is survived by his daughter, Kathy (Gary) Nyquist of Albert Lea, MN; son, Doug (Lynn) Bye of Milaca, MN; two grandsons, Eric (Michele) Nyquist of Longwood, FL and Andy (Jenny) Nyquist of Edina, MN; five great-grandchildren; brother, Bob (Donna) Bye of Minneapolis, MN; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Em.