Alan R. Bye

March 11, 1947 – Oct. 13, 2020

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Alan Ray Bye was born March 11, 1947, in Lincoln to William and Louise (Gentz) Bye and passed away Oct. 13, 2020, in his home in Seward, surrounded by his family at the age of 73 years, 7 months and 2 days. Alan grew up in Seward, where he was baptized April 6, 1947, and confirmed March 26, 1961, at St. John Lutheran Church. He graduated from Seward High School with the Class of 1965.

Alan attended Concordia College and then enlisted into the U.S. Army on Oct. 24, 1966. He served in the Vietnam War, where he earned several medals. Alan was discharged Oct. 23, 1969. On Sept. 12, 1980, Alan was united in marriage to Karen Kay Frank at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward. Alan went to work at Tenneco as a forklift operator for 28 years and then became employed at Hughes Brothers, Inc. for 13 years as a night watchman, before his retirement in 2012. He became a volunteer for AseraCare Hospice and later at Tabitha Hospice where he enjoyed working with veterans. 

Alan was truly one of the nicest guys you ever met. He was the most genuine and respectful man. He loved his children and grandchildren and especially loved watching movies with them. Alan enjoyed traveling to many places including Hawaii, Alaska, New Mexico, to the Hot Air Balloon Festival, New England in the fall and Washington, D.C., to see the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Alan enjoyed watching old western movies with his grandmother. He attributes that to his love of portraying Gabby Hayes. Alan was a member of St. John Lutheran Church and the Seward VFW.

Alan was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Gilbert and Doris Frank; brother-in-law, Doug Frank; aunts and uncles, Ruth and Jim Bye and Walter and Elaine Bye.

Survivors cherishing his memory include his wife, Karen Bye, Seward; children, A.J. Bye, Terre Haute, Indiana, Daniel (Crystal) Bye, Lincoln, Nyla Bye, Seward; four grandsons, Bailey Bye, Colby Ruskamp, Will Ruskamp and Owen Bye; two siblings, Todd and Renee Bye, Seward, Cheri and Denny Wullenwaber, Seward; brother-in-law, Perry and Kathy Frank; four sisters-in-law, Sandy and Jerry Fricke, Carol and Mike Pflughaupt, Ronda Diggs, Deb Frank; nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

A funeral service was Oct. 19 at St. John Lutheran Church with graveside services and burial at the Seward Cemetery. Military honors were provided by the U.S. Army, Seward V.F.W. Post 4755 and Seward American Legion Post 33. Memorial contributions are suggested to the family for future consideration. Condolences may be left for the family at www.zabkafuneralhome.com.