Byron Gene Defries

Byron Gene De Fries, a musician who led Bonduel, WI Public Schools’ band program for 30 years, passed away Saturday, June 28, 2025, surrounded by family and music in Boulder, Colorado. Byron was born December 28, 1934 in St. James, MN to Otto and Gladyce De Fries.

A lifelong composer, band director, and French horn player, Byron shared his love of music generously. He was also known for his 50-year love story with our mom, Greta — a journey that began in Stuttgart, Germany, took them to Kirkintilloch, Scotland, Welcome, Minnesota, Bonduel, Wisconsin, and eventually to Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Byron attended Mankato State University, and then the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) on a French Horn scholarship, studying music performance. He joined the Mississippi National Guard, 41st Army Band, and, after graduation, was sent to Germany in the U.S. Army 4th Armored Division. After a year in the American zone, Byron auditioned for a USO music troop called “Yes Indeed,” where he met his beloved wife, Greta. Byron and Greta were married in 1959 in Kirkintilloch, Scotland.

Byron took a teaching position in Welcome, MN, then Waseca, MN before moving to Bonduel, WI, where he was the band director and instrumental music teacher from 1965 through 1994. He loved teaching, and working with his colleagues in the Bonduel District. While working and raising 4 kids with Greta, Byron earned Master's Degrees in Music Education and Jazz Composition from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, and was an active member of the Wisconsin and National Music Educators Associations.

Both Byron and Greta enjoyed spending time with friends - Friday night fish fry and old fashioneds at The Prairie Schooner in Cecil, stopping by The Flambeau bar for chili after church on Sundays, and many great evenings at Annello’s in Shawano. After retiring, Byron and Greta moved to Albuquerque, NM, where Byron learned to eat spicy food (he used to think Ketchup was spicy). He also hosted a weekly jam session that was for French horn players only. He performed with the Albuquerque symphony, and with a woodwind quintet group called “Albuquerque Worldwinds” that was well-known, and they even recorded a couple CDs. Following Greta’s passing in 2010, Byron moved to Boulder to be closer to family, and he once again made a number of great friendships.

Byron is survived by children, Maureen (William), Patricia (Jim), Michael (Trish), and Elizabeth. He leaves behind grandchildren - Hannah (Matthew), Evalyn (Drew), Samuel (Gianna), Hattie, Sophie, Audrey, Rachel, and Collin (Tierney); also, great-grandchildren Hudson, Ewan, August, and Luca.

A memorial service will be held at a later date to remember and celebrate Byron’s life. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in Byron’s honor to the Colorado Mahler Festival, the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, or your local school music program.

The De Fries family extends sincere thanks and gratefulness to the caring staff at Frasier - The Summit Care Center in Boulder. It’s fitting that we end with words Byron liked to say at the conclusion of many conversations and letters ~ “Keep Smiling, Cordially Byron”