Norbert Allan Bybee Jr.

Norbert Allan Bybee Jr. of Fox Point, WI, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2025, at the age of 87.

Beloved husband of the late Faith Bybee, loving father of Heather (Randy) Warren and Hillary (the late Fred) Pioso, and proud grandpa of Birttany, Brandon, and Nicole. Norb was preceded in death by his parents, Norbert and Harriet Bybee; his brothers, Allan (Mary) Bybee and Jeff Bybee; and his sister, Bonnie (Brian) Bolster. He is survived by his sister, Barbara (the late Gene) Bell; sister-in-law, Donna Bybee; and many other loving nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Norb was born on December 19, 1937, in Racine, WI. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1962, where he eventually would serve as the Damage Control, Repair Division and Public Affairs Officer aboard the destroyer USS Morton. During his service, he fought in the Vietnam War and was awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. Following his active duty, he continued his military career in the Naval Reserves, retiring as a Captain in 1991. His time in the Navy took him all over the world and sparked a lifelong love of travel, many places of which he was able to revisit with his wife Faith.

Before settling into his career as a photographer, Norb held a variety of jobs in retail, door-to-door sales and production at American Motors. Eventually he followed in his father's footsteps and started his photography career as a freelance photojournalist, primarily in the agricultural field. In 1967 he joined UW-Milwaukee back when black-and-white prints were processed in trays in a lab. Over the course of his career he rose to become the head of the university's Photographic Services Department. He also served as President of both the Wisconsin News Photographers Association and the University Photographer's Association of America, where he was named the University Photographer of the Year. He received many other awards and honors from professional photography organizations during his long and distinguished career.

Outside of his work, Norb pursued countless hobbies with enthusiasm. He as an avid hunter who loved spending time with family and friends at the Gericke's cabin. He as a camper and canoeist who spent many a vacation roughing it in remote areas of Canada. He loved to cook and bake, almost as much as his family and friends loved to enjoy the delicious results. He embraced his early days as a magic enthusiast, as anyone who has had a quarter appear from their ear can attest. He also took part in some less familiar hobbies such as cultivating bonsai trees and participating in Rendezvous war reenactment events where he would set up camp and live as they did during the 1800s for the weekend.

While Norb embraced a wide range of interests, nothing brought him greater joy than time spent with his beloved grandchildren.

Norb has been described as the ultimate definition of a gentleman and the kindest person there is. Those who knew him would agree. He will be interred at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to ALS United of Georgia are appreciated.