Don was born in Green Bay on February 29, 1924, the son of Henry and Adeline (Vandenbush) Baye. On June 23, 1945, he married Dolores Zimmer. Don worked for the Oconto County Hwy. Dept. as well as in Green Bay at the Northern Paper Mill and for 19 years at Strauble Paper Mill. In 1970, Don and Delores then moved to the Lakewood area where they purchased the D&D Bar on Waubee Lake. In 1985, Don retired from the bar trade and began working for the fish hatchery in Lakewood, where he worked for seven more years until his illness prevented him from working any longer. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, gambling, swapping a good joke or two, and spending time with his dog Muffin. Most of all, though. He enjoyed people, especially his family and friends, who will all miss him greatly.
Don is survived by his wife, Dolores, two children, Sharon (Kit) Vandenhoven of Lakewood, and David (Tina) Baye of Oconto Falls; a sister, Joan (Pete) Makos of Coleman; and a sister-in-law, Helen Baye of Oconto. Don is further survived by 9 grandchildren 12 great-grandchildren, and numerous other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Robert; a daughter, Barbara Baye Berken; and a niece, Kathy Posley.
Friends may call upon the family Thursday, September 13, from 9:30 to 11 am at the St. Mary of the Lakes Catholic Church in Lakewood. At 11 am, Fr. Stan Browne will lead the Mass of Christian Burial. Interment to take place at the Forest Home Cemetery in Lakewood at a later date. Suminski Funeral Home of Wabeno, 715-473-3131, given the privilege of serving the family.