Rev. Thomas W. Bye

1950 - 2021

The Rev. Thomas W. Bye

Hart

The Rev. Thomas W. Bye, 71, of Hart, went to his heavenly home on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021. He was born May 11, 1950 in Elmhurst, Ill. and raised in Wheaton.

Tom graduated high school from St. Johns Military Academy in Delafield, Wis. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served four years, stationed in Vietnam and Germany as a medic. Tom received the Purple Heart Medal. He returned home to Peoria, Ill. where he was a surgical technician. He married Jeralyn "Jeri" (Finney) May 25, 1975.

He attended Concordia Seminary in Fort Wayne, Ind. and was ordained as a minister of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod. Tom's first call was to a dual parish in Hammond and Potsdam, Minn. Next, he served for 25 years in Oshkosh, Wis. He was also a police chaplain in Oshkosh and served on the Southern Wisconsin District Board of the Missouri Synod. He served most recently at St. Stephens Lutheran Church, Shelby for the past 10 years. He served in the parish ministry for a total of 40 years. He was a life member of the American Legion in Oshkosh.

Rev. Bye is survived by his wife, Jeri; his daughters, Erika (James) Sheridan and Maryann (Ned) Storer; grandchildren, Sophia Storer, Eddie Storer and Samantha Sheridan; his extended family - the Atwaters; and his beloved dogs, Winston and Monique. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Nanette, and his sister, Laurel Kamen.

A memorial service was Monday, Dec. 6, 11 a.m. at St. Stephens Lutheran Church with Rev. Dennis Lassanske, officiating. Memorials to the Wounded Warrior Project are appreciated. Mail donations to P.O. 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516 or donate on-line at www.woundedwarriorproject.org. Arrangements were by Harris Funeral Home, Shelby http://www.harrisfhome.com.