Kathleen Bayer

Kathleen Lou Bayer, age 72, passed away on July 11, 2026, at Eden Meadows care facility in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Born on April 3, 1954, to Kenneth and Betty (Dhaenens) Rada, she spent the first part of her life in the Quad Cities area of Illinois.

In 1972, Kathy joined the missionary group, “Christ is the Answer,” where she met and later married James Bayer. Together they traveled the United States as a part of a tent revival ministry for four years. This was the start of a 53-year adventure. 

After a few years on the road, they settled in Neenah, Wisconsin. Kathy worked for many years in the retail industry while raising a family. She also volunteered at Faith United Methodist Church in Neenah and Double Portions Kitchen at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Menasha.

She made friends easily through work and church and valued her relationships, especially those she was able to stay in touch with after her health began to decline: Debbie Harris, Deb Schultz, Beth Hall, Pastor Becky Kindschi, and many others. 

Kathy is survived by her husband, Jim; children Christopher (Trista) Rada, Jonathan (Christine) Bayer, and Amy Bayer; cherished grandchildren, Colin and Annika Bayer; sister Linda (Gene) Hendrix; sister-in-law, Sue Bayer; brothers-in-law, Paul Bayer, Dave (Tricia) Bayer; goddaughter, Lexie (Taylor) Shepherd; and several special nieces, nephews and cousins who enriched her life. 

Preceded in death by her parents, Ken and Betty; parents-in-law, Ken and Helen Bayer, her sister, Theresa Hopping; brothers-in-laws, Jim Jabb and Frank McKenzie; sister-in-law Liz McKenzie; and dear friend, Shirley Dohmann.

A special thank you to the wonderful staff from Moments Hospice and Eden Meadows Long-Term Care Facility, and all of the staff and health care providers who have supported Kathy during her final years.

A visitation will be held Friday, July 17, 2026, at 9:00 AM at Faith Global Methodist Church, 1025 Tullar Avenue, Neenah, WI 54956. The memorial service at 11:00 AM. Lunch will be served in the Fellowship Hall immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to Faith Global Methodist Church or Breakthrough T1D in Kathy’s memory.