Raymond Selmer Bye

Raymond Selmer Bye passed away early Wednesday morning September 30, 2026.

Ray was born on December 16, 1943 in Albert Lea, Minnesota to J. Orlando and Zella (Stuart) Bye and grew up on the family dairy farm in the Kiester area.

He graduated from Kiester High School, Kiester, MN in 1961 and lowa State University, Ames, IA in 1966. Ray was a member of the lowa State University cross country team and Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. After college Ray was selected for the Navy Aviation Officer Flight School in Pensacola, FL. After advanced jet training at NAS Beeville, TX, Ray received his Navy wings in 1967. He reported to NAS Lemore, CA where he flew the A-7 Corsair with Attack Squadron VA-215. The squadron made a six-month Vietnam cruise in 1969. Ray was awarded two Air Medals. In 1970 he made a six-month Mediterranean cruise.

Ray married Heather Catherine Duncan on August 15, 1970. They were blessed with a son, Jason, in 1972.

In 1972 Ray was hired by Delta Air Lines. He retired on the Boeing 777 as an International Captain and a Line Check Airman, in 2003. Ray was a long-time member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Crystal Lake, IL. After moving from Huntley, IL to Peoria, IL in 2024 to be near Jason and family, he attended Redeemer Lutheran Church with them. His love and passion were his family, friends, and flying. His grandchildren were a great joy to him.

He enjoyed winters in AZ and visiting his family in MN and Heather's family in British Columbia. He is survived by his son Jason (Amy), grandchildren Allison and Jonathan, sister Susan Bernau, and sister-in-law Judy Bye. He was preceded in death by his wife Heather, parents Orlando and Zella Bye, brother James and sister-in-law Carol Bye, brother David Bye, and brother-in-law Marvin Bernau.

A private service will be held at a later date and interment will be at Zion Lutheran Cemetery near his hometown of Kiester MN.