MARGARET BAYER

Margaret Bayer, age 94, of Neenah, passed away on Friday, May 17, 2013 surrounded by family. She was born on November 30, 1918 in the Town of Royalton, Wisconsin, daughter of the late Emil and Alma (Prellwitz) Bigalke. She was the second eldest of nine children and grew up in Baldwin Mills. It was there where she worked side by side with her dad in the fields. Nearby at Bear Lake, was where she and her two sisters, Gertie and Louise, danced every Saturday night. She later met and married Lawrence Bayer on May 20, 1939 in the town of Royalton WI. Together they raised three sons. At age 65 she began her working career outside of the home at Kimberly Clark where she made many friends. After retiring at age 75, she purchased her dream car, a red convertible. Retirement brought weekly card games with her brothers and sisters and more time with her grandchildren. It was her seven great-grandchildrens energy and excitement that always brought a smile to her face. Margaret will be remembered for her unmatched gardening skills, famous apple squares, sense of humor and strong faith. Her generosity, big heart, and sweet smile will be greatly missed. She will be missed by her sons, Melvin L. (Ginny) Bayer, Port Saint Lucie, FL; Gary L. (Nelly) Bayer, Cusco, Peru; and Dennis D. (Vicky) Bayer, Combined Locks; grandchildren: Julie (Matt) Koellner, Dallas; Thomas (Saphie) Bayer, Sri Lanka; John (fianc Anna) Bayer, Moscow; Michelle Brightman, Menasha; Laura (Geoffrey) Possley, Greenville; Step-grandchildren: Zack Vanderloop, Bryton Vanderloop and Lucas Vanderloop, Combined Locks. She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren: Katrena Koellner, Cyrus Bayer, Tyler Brightman, Makenna Brightman, Carter Possley, Madeline Possley, Rowen Possley; and her sister Ardis Peterson, Neenah; In addition to her parents and husband, Lawrence, she was preceded in death by her siblings, and spouses: Gertrude (John) Worm, Louise (Elmer) DeGroot, Alfred (Lucille) Bigalke, Edvin (Deloris) Bigalke, Eleanor (Jim) Schultz, Alma (Arnold) Oppor, Emil (Doris) Bigalke; and brother-in-law, Roy Peterson. The Christian Service for Margaret will be held on Tuesday May 21, 2013 at 4:00 PM at Neenahs Westgor Funeral Home with Rev. Catherine A.K. Mode officiating. Friends will be received at the funeral home from 2:00 PM until the hour of service. Interment will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Neenah. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Margarets name are appreciated to Our Saviors Lutheran Church. The family would like to thank the Staff at Saint Pauls Elder Care, and the staff at Theda Clark, especially Dr. Baltz, for their care and compassion.