Gilbert A. Bayer

Gilbert A. Bayer, 78, of Slinger, passed away on Thursday, May 8, 2009, at Aurora/Hartford Hospital.

Gilbert was born on March 25, 1931, in Slinger to John and Lillian (nee Klink) Bayer.  He graduated from Slinger High School , class of 1949. He married Clara Mae (nee Schulteis) on Oct. 29, 1955, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Richfield.  He was a dedicated husband and father, member St. Peter’s Catholic Church and a member of the Slinger Fire Department for more than 20 years, retiring with the rank of lieutenant. He was a life-long blood donor. Gilbert liked to spend time up north, fishing and deer hunting. He enjoyed his garden, picking nuts, making wine and listening to polka music. Above all, he loved spending time with his family and friends.

Gilbert is survived by his wife, Clara Mae; children, Gregory (Jane) of Slinger, Allen (Nancy) of Whitefish Bay, Jerome of Appleton, James (Shauna) of Whitefish Bay, John (Judy) of DeForest and Edward (Jo Ellen) of Appleton. He is further survived by his grandchildren, Eric (Jenny), Kimberly (Ryan) Niedfeldt, Kelly (Don) Reed, Stephanie (fiancŽ Mark Weske), Nick (Lori), Zack, Matt, Tim, Laura, Nate, Samantha, Jake, Lauren, Cole, Luke, Payton, Brooke, Eden and Lily; great-grandchildren, Alex, Max, Jack, Seth, Valessa, Brianna; brothers, Russell (Shirley) Bayer, Richard (Dorothy) Bayer; sister Doris Hefter; sisters-in-law, Burnette Achenreiner, Margaret Held, Eleanor Mergener, Alice Schulteis and Marilyn (Theodore) Merten; brother-in-law, Ralph (Leila) Schulteis; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Gilbert was preceded in death by in-laws, Dennis Hefter, John Achenreiner, Albert Schulteis, Richard Held, Tom Mergener and Theodore (Adela) Schulteis.

A Mass of Christian burial will be on Monday, May 11, 2009, at 7 p.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church of Slinger with the Rev. Richard J. Stoffel officiating. Interment will take place at New St. Peter’s Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church only on Monday, May 11, from 3 p.m. until time of Mass. A walk through by the Slinger Fire Department is planned for 6:15 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Peter’s Endowment fund or Slinger Community Library in Gilbert’s name would be appreciated.

The Phillip Funeral Home of Slinger is assisting the family. www.phillipfuneralhome.com.