Ralph Bayer
January 23, 1928 - September 08, 2021
Obituary
MIDDLETON - Ralph J. Bayer, 93, of Middleton, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2021, at Oakwood Village, Madison.
Ralph joined the Oakwood community as a resident of independent living in 2012. He was active with the Oakwood Resident Chorus, not only adding his baritone musical voice but playing the bird whistle during concerts. He enjoyed reading poetry selections during concerts and for numerous other events. Ralph volunteered at the Oakwood Pharmacy and the Oakwood Grocery Store. He also was a volunteer member of the Life Enrichment Committee and an avid participant in scheduled outings, exercise programs, group events and programs.
Ralph retired as Senior Manager, Vendor Quality Systems, Western Division, Oscar Mayer Foods Corporation, where he worked for 37 years. His career was focused on product quality assurance. His responsibilities included training, as well as implementing and ensuring compliance with Oscar Mayer quality standards in production facilities, including suppliers and co-packers.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Katherine (Motz) Bayer of Milwaukee; a brother, Leonard Bayer; and three sisters, Leona Bayer of Milwaukee, Eleanor Crouse of Milwaukee, and Lucille Heike of West Allis. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife of 70 years, Catherine (Hanley) of Middleton; and by his son-in-law, Thomas Cheng of Edina, Minn.
Surviving are the couple's five daughters: Mary Bayer Doidge (Jon), Des Moines, Iowa; Monica Bayer Heaton (Gary), Havelock, N.C.; Martha Bayer, Sunset Beach, N.C.; Susan Bayer Van Steen (Scott), Colgate, Wis.; and Jeanne Bayer, Eden Prairie, Minn. Also surviving are nine grandchildren: Kimberly Grove, Madison, Wis.; Vanessa (Corey) White, Sauk City, Wis.; David Cheng, New York, N.Y.; Katie Cheng, Washington, D.C.; Michael Cheng, Napa, Calif.; Erica (Pavlos) Van Steen, Washington, D.C.; Margeaux (Dirk) Ljungberg, Juneau, Alaska; Meredith (Adam) Bruhn, Havelock, N.C.; and Andrew Heaton, Havelock, N.C. Also surviving are nine great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life memorial will be held from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021, in the Resurrection Chapel at Oakwood Village, 6205 Mineral Point Road, Madison, followed by a reception until 5 p.m. in the Westmoreland-Nakoma Room. Masks required by the facility.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ralph's memory to Oakwood Foundation, 6209 Mineral Point Road, Suite 200, Madison, WI 53705 (https://www.oakwoodfoundationinc.org) or to Agrace HospiceCare Foundation, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711 (https;//www.agrace.org/donate).
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave
(608) 831-6761
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Memories
PD
Patti Delmore
Other •
So sorry of Ralph's passing. He was such a dear friend to me in the Oakwood family circle. Love to all his family. Patti Delmore
HL
Holly Spigner & Mack Lough
Other •
With caring thoughts,
BM
Betsy Montzingo
Other •
I knew Ralph from Oscar Mayer. Always a smile on his face and a sincere gentleman. He was well loved by his co-workers.
CM
Chuck and Helen Maulbetsch
Other •
We were blessed by knowing long time neighbors Ralph and Catherine Bayer, and now their family will be similarly be blessed with heart warming memories. Best, Chuck and Helen Maulbetsch
PD
Pat Davidovich
Other •
Ralph's Pinochle card friends are sending our deepest sympathy to you, his beloved family. Ralph spoke, so often about his wife, when she was here and his wonderful daughters. You were everything, to him!! He loved you so much!! It was heartwarming, to see a man express his love, the way he did about you. Ralph was a quick learner. He picked up our game, at rapid speed. It was so much fun, the guys against the gals. His frequent partner, Jim Tollers, recently passed. Ralph was quite the singer. We attended his choir preformances, to hear him. Donna, who lives on his floor, said she could hear him singing, in the shower. He would chuckle at that one, as their apartments were on opposite sides of the elevator. At a Talent Show, he read a piece about getting distracted and taking all day not to get done what was planned. It applied to me and apparently, to him, for him to have chosen it. I think of him, often, when I am having one of those days. Ralph was ambitious, giving to others, helping out at the store and with the pharmacy. He was so excited about that pharmacy position. We will miss Ralph's smile, chuckle and laugh. He had a gentleman's presence! Covid precautions kept us from physically attending Ralph's Celebration of Life. His memory is with us, all. We are so glad he was a part of our lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Vera Eidsmoe Patti Barlow Donna Olson Pat Davidovich
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Karen Schroeder
Other •
My deepest sympathy to the family. Ralph was a very sweet man. I would talk to him when I would see him the hallway and when he would visit his wife in Hebron I would come in the room to clean it and he would be sitting with her and I would talk to him while I was cleaning the room. He will be dearly missed by everyone. Again my condolence to the family. Karen Schroeder housekeeper at Oakwood University woods Madison.