Clarence O. Bayer

Mr. Clarence O. Bayer, 82, passed away at Wheaton Franciscan Hospital – All Saints on Thursday, September 10, 2009. A lifelong resident of Racine, Clarence was born on April 19, 1927 to the late Joseph and Minna (nee: Eick) Bayer. He graduated from William Horlick H. High School. On June 15, 1963, he married the former Mary “Jocelyn” Parent. His loving wife, Jocelyn preceded him in death on December 26, 2008. Mr. Bayer proudly served his nation with the U.S. Navy during WWII. Upon his discharge, he worked at Western Publishing as a Layout Specialist and retired after 45 years of service. Mr. Bayer was a member of St. Patrick and Sacred Heart Catholic Churches, where he also sang in many of their choirs. He most recently belonged to St. Lucy Catholic Church as well as the Knights of Columbus. His survivors include his daughters, Colleen Ralph and Lynn Bayer; granddaughter, Katie Ralph; son-in-law, Greg Ralph all of Racine; sisters, Elaine (William) Hubert of Milwaukee, Mary Anne (L.D.) Curran of Dousman, WI; brother-in-law, El Collins of Apple Valley, MN; sister-in-law, Yvonne McCollow of Mequon; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews and dear friends. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Raymond Bayer; sisters, Catherine Bayer and Connie Collins; sister-in-law, Virginia Bayer and brother-in-law, Thomas McCollow. The celebration of his life and funeral mass will be held at St. Lucy Catholic Church (3101 Drexel Ave.) on Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. There will be a visitation in the church on Tuesday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. An entombment will follow with military honors at Holy Cross Cemetery Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to St. Lucy Catholic Church, the American Cancer Society or to the American Heart Association.