Richard "Dick" Anton Bayer

Richard “Dick” Bayer, 82, passed away, Thursday, October 18, 2018, surrounded by his loved ones following a long battle of heart disease. His strong will, desire to enjoy family, and life empowered him to live long beyond all doctor’s expectations. Richard was born May 28, 1936, son of the late Anton “Tony” and Evelyn (Tuyls) Bayer. On August 30, 1958 he married Nancie Agnes (Genske) at St. Mary’s Church in Menasha. They shared over 60 years of marriage, had six children and settled in Appleton.

Dick went to St Mary’s High School 1-12 grade and graduated in 1954. While attending high school Dick worked at Gibson Motors which sustained his love for cars. After high school Dick was invited to work in Libby, Montana for J. Neils lumber company which was owned by his forestry pioneering family. He had great hunting and fishing adventures while living in Montana. Dick always had a strong work ethic. He started work in January 1955 at Gilbert Paper Company and worked there for 46 years. In addition he was a very skilled plumber and was a landlord for over 54 years.

In May, 1994 they opened Bayer Furniture in Suring, WI. Richard believed in the old-fashioned way of making a deal with a handshake and was well liked by all. He enjoyed work and never really retired prior to his passing. He loved talking with people, and truly valued meeting a new friend. He had the capacity to remember specific details of what others would consider an ordinary conversation even years later.

He was an avid hunter and loved fishing at the family cottage, and hunting on their land up north. If he wasn’t working on a project, cutting wood, making quilts and maple syrup, fixing clocks, he was spending time with his family.  He also enjoyed feeding his birds or caring for his pets. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends. Nothing made Dick happier than playing Sheepshead, telling stories and jokes to put a smile on someone else’s face. He was known as a prankster by all of his family and coworkers. He was a jack of all trades and his legacy will live on through all the knowledge and skills he passed on to his children and grandchildren.

Dick is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Nancie Bayer; their six children: Antoinette (Ron) Dekeyser, Laurie (Barbara Gerarden) Bayer,  Steve (Jennifer) Bayer, Dawn (Dr. Beverly Sturke) Bayer, Chad Bayer (special friend Traci Beyer), and Melissa (Carl) Zimmerman; His beloved 11 grandchildren: Eric Bayer, Ellie (Jamie) Shepherd, Jessica Bayer, Kyler Schadrie, Danielle Heller, Zach Bayer, Robbie Ellis, Shandi Kohel, Tabitha Bayer, Sasha Bayer, Ariel Bayer; 11 great grandchildren: Lorelei, Johnathan, Katie, Jared, Coltin, Trentin, Lily, Bradly, Marshel, Sophia, and Marlie; two sisters, Karen (Vernon) Romenesko, and Sue Bayer; brother and  sister in-law: Wayne (Vicki) Genske, Atta (Dick) Straubel; as well as many nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends. He was further preceded in death by his mother-in-law Jennie, and father-in-law Milford Genske.

Funeral service for Richard will be 11:00 AM on Tuesday October 23, 2018 At VALLEY FUNERAL HOME, with Reverend Nancy Zorn Micke officiating.  Visitation will be held Monday evening October 22 at the funeral home from 4:00 until 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue Tuesday morning beginning at 10:00 until the 11:00 AM service. Burial will be at Highland Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

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