Richard “Dick” Bayer, 64, was born into Eternal Life Tuesday, June 1, 2011.
A lifelong resident of Racine, Richard was born June 3, 1946 to the late Raymond and Virginia (nee: Jude) Bayer. He was the beloved husband and best friend of Karen (nee: Kortendick) Bayer, whom he married on July 23, 1966.
Dick graduated from St. Catherine’s High School in 1966, and Dominican College in 1970. He proudly served his nation in the United States Army in Germany from 1966-1968. He was employed for 20 years at Kortendick Hardware, owned James M. Jude Associates for an additional 20 years and served on the Board of Directors of the North American Die Cast Association. Dick considered his final position as the Racine County Veterans Service Officer as both an honor and a ministry. His devotion to the active duty military and veterans was unwavering.
Dick was a man of tremendous faith in God and was an active member at St. Edward parish and then Racine Assembly of God. For 26 years, Dick and Karen participated in a couples faith based discussion group. Throughout his battle with cancer, Dick was uplifted by his faith, and support from family and friends.
His gentle, caring, fun-loving devotion to being the best husband, father and grandfather were the cornerstones of his life. Dick showered his family with his love of stories, parades, ice-cream and cookies.
His survivors include his loving wife of nearly 45 years Karen; cherished daughters Mary Kay (Bob) Tajnai and Patricia Bayer Cox; adored granddaughters Stephanie, Kaitlin and Anna Tajnai, Jessica and Julie Cox; treasured extended Nguyen family; father-in-law Russell L. Kortendick; brother Ronald (Carol) Bayer; sister and brothers-in-law Diane (William) Fanelli, Russell (Kathy) Kortendick and Glenn (Barbara) Kramer; nieces and nephews and many dear friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Patricia Murphy; brother Raymond Bayer; Ngu Nguyen and Hoa Nguyen Lam.
The celebration of his life will begin with a visitation on Sunday, June 5, 2011 from 3 – 7 p.m. at Racine Assembly of God, 1325 N. Airline Road. There will be a service on Monday, June 6, 2011 at 10 a.m. at Racine Assembly of God with interment immediately following at Calvary Cemetery.
A heartfelt note of thanks to our dear family, friends, church and Racine community for the tremendous outpouring of love and support.
Dorothy Sack says
Dick gave great hugs, not to tight not to soft. He seemed to know when you needed to be held a few seconds longer. He always had a kind word to cheer you up. He will be missed here on Earth but we will always feel his presents from Heaven. Ken & Dorothy Sack