Marlo A. “Nub” Bye, 88, a one-of-a-kind and gentle soul, died March 26, 2024 in Hudson, Wisconsin at Christian Community Home.

Marlo was born to Alfred and Blanche (Clark) Bye on January 27, 1936 in Hammond, Wisconsin. Growing up with eight other siblings, Marlo had many stories to tell. His nickname, “Nub,” came from his mother who referred to him as “my little nubbins,” when he could fit in the berry picking baskets as a baby. Marlo was also referred to as “the guy with nine lives,” from the unique, and sometimes scary, instances he found himself in and his ability to get out of them. He cherished his memories of being part of the “south side gang,” a group of neighborhood friends in south River Falls that spent time exploring the banks of the Kinni and lower dam, hunting and fishing, and occasionally finding some harmless mischief. Fishing became one of his favorite hobbies for the entirety of his life, and in the wise words of Marlo, “Fresh air is better than any medicine.”

Marlo was always a hard worker and very dedicated to his family, especially following the death of his father when he was just 7 years old. While in high school, he would hitchhike after school to work in Lakeland, work late into the night, and return home just to do it all over again the next day. After graduating from River Falls High School in 1954, Marlo enlisted in the Army. After completing Basic Combat Training in Fort Sill, Oklahoma he was assigned to the traveling missile unit where he was stationed in Alaska, the Philippines and then Tokyo, Japan. He transferred to the Army Reserves once his initial enlistment ended and served for an additional six years while working full time until the birth of his daughter, Jodi, and later his son, Ron.

Marlo was united in marriage to the love of his life, Ruth Ann Crawley, on February 14th, 1976 in Hastings, MN. The two enjoyed taking care of their garden; Ruth Ann with the flowers and Marlo with the vegetables and canning. The two cared for and supported each other for nearly 40 years before Ruth Ann’s passing in October 2013. They were able to retire at an early age and chose to live a simplistic life filled with a focus on what mattered most to them; family, their shared hobbies, and each other.

Marlo worked many odd jobs throughout his life, but his proudest accomplishments were his military service and his long career with Ford Motor Company. In addition to his work, Marlo was a crafty fix-it man – always tinkering around in the garage, with his cars, the yard and garden. He enjoyed grilling out, sitting on the back yard swing with Ruth, going to Friday fish fry, bingo, and smoking his cigars and pipe. He enjoyed rooting for the Packers, Badgers, Brewers and in recent years the Chiefs. He had a huge heart with a great sense of humor and the perfect dose of stubbornness. He adored his grandchildren and loved telling them stories, asking questions about their lives (what’s new?) and watching their sporting events of which there were many.

Marlo is survived by his loving family: children, Jodi (Brad) Kempf and Ron (Sarah) Bye; grandsons, Clinton (Baily) Kempf, Spencer (Lane) Kempf, Alex Bye, Jack Bye and Victor Bye; great-grandsons, newborn Lennox Bradley Kempf and baby boy, Kempf, due in July.

Marlo was blessed to acquire an extended family in his marriage to Ruth Ann; step-children, Kim (Scottie) Saniti, Dianne (Leigh) Halvorsen, Jim (Lisa) Dardine, and Mike (Sara) Dardine; step-grandchildren, Joe (Anne) Halvorsen, Tyler Halvorsen, David (Lindsey) Saniti, Adam (Gina) Dardine, Josh Dardine, Isaac (Jordyn) Dardine, Parker Dardine, Ericka Saniti (Matt McNair) Justin (Ashley) Dardine and Tonya Dardine; and great-grandchildren, Layla, J.J., Brayden, Halle, Avrie, Adalynn, Aubree, Ainsley, Noah, Alayla and Isaiah.

Marlo is also survived by his sister, Ferris Landaal; brother-in-law, Pat Crawley, cousin, Karen Crawley; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruth Ann; step-son, Scott Dardine, parents, Alfred and Blanche (Clark) Bye; step-father, Elwin Hobbs; brothers, sisters, and spouses, Joy (Curly) Bye, Galen Bye, Audrey (Chuck) McCoy, Goldie Helmer, brother-in-law Alfred Landaal, Kay (Richard) Thom, Sharon (Duane) Austrum, and Judy Bye; nephew, David Austrum; niece, Diane Peterson; and sister-in-law Mary Crawley.

A visitation for Marlo will be held on Friday April 19, 2024 at O’Connell Funeral Home, 520 S. Eleventh Street, Hudson, WI 54016 from 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. with a memorial service and military honors to follow. Private interment at Willow River Cemetery to follow.

We would like to thank the staff at Pine Ridge Assisted Living and Christian Community Home in Hudson, WI for their loving care over the past four years. You were like family to Marlo.

Memorials are preferred.