Maxwell J. Bayer 1993-2024 Maxwell J. Bayer, 31, a fearless firefighter in Racine and the Village of Raymond, died on Thursday, October 10th, 2024, in a tragic vehicle accident. He was born in West Allis, WI in 1993 to Jim and Cheryl (Brasier, Harter) Bayer. Max went to Waterford High School before studying the trade of Tool & Die at Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC). Then he found his true calling as a firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Max always admired the heroism of firefighters and therefore was proud to join the Raymond Fire & Rescue Department in 2011 as a paid on-call firefighter where he obtained the rank of Captain. This suited Max because he loved to give to his community and mentor others. In 2022 Max was accepted into the Racine Fire Academy and graduated in 2023, becoming a City of Racine Firefighter and EMT. Max also became part of the Hazardous Materials Response Team for Racine. Max's highest achievements were marrying the love of his life whom he waited 28 years to meet, Caitlin (Reynolds) Bayer in 2023, and expecting their first child in March 2025. Max and Caitlin shared the love of family, friends, and travel. Max's unexpected passing is a shock to his family, friends, and loved ones, who are still reeling at the loss. He lived a vibrant life and still had so much ahead of him. He was taken far too soon. Max's tissues and eyes were donated and through his gift, our hope is that others will experience and see life the way he did.

In light of the sudden news, the family asks for privacy as they deal with this tragic loss.

Max was loved especially by his wife Caitlin, their unborn child, parents Jim and Cheryl (Brasier, Harter) Bayer, sister Jackie (Harter) Pratt, father-in-law Pat Reynolds, brothers-in-law Mike Pratt, Ryan Reynolds and Keith Hendrixson, sister-in-law, Erin (Reynolds) Hendrixson, nieces, Rylie and Raegan Pratt.

Max was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Penny (Green) Reynolds, grandparents, Ralph and Barbara (Mason, Berse) Bayer, and Marion (Borofka) Brasier, also Uncle Butch.

Visitation will be from 1:00 – 4:00 pm and the service from 4:00 – 5:00 pm on Friday, October 18th at the Memorial Hall, 72 – 7th St, Racine, WI 53403. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Max's name to Raymond Fire Department / City of Racine Fire Department or Next Rung. Next Rung is a non-profit with a mission to combat mental health issues among firefighters and first responders.