Jacob Bayer

Jacob "Jake" Bayer, 84 Mansfield, died Thursday, February 19, 2009 at home surrounded by his loving family. Born August 5, 1924 in Neu Werbas, Yugoslavia, he was the son of Jakob and Elisabetha Greiling Bayer. He married his wife Margaret Müller August 17, 1949 in Vienna and together they immigrated to the United States from Austria in 1951 and made Mansfield their home. He worked at the North American Knitting Mill, Ideal Electric, and retired after 30 years of service from Essex Wire in Lexington as Maintenance Supervisor.

Jake loved life and family. "Opa" as he was affectionately called by his grandchildren, was a continuing inspiration to his entire family. He had a very outgoing personality and his contagious smile would light up any room. He had an uncanny knack of connecting with people and made friends easily. He loved animals, walking, music, singing, talking, and especially dancing. In 1988, along with his wife, he became the founder and Dance Master of the Mansfield Liederkranz Senior Dance Group. He was a member of the St. Peters Lutheran Church and the Mansfield Liederkranz.

Jacob is survived by his loving wife, Margaret of 60 years; one daughter, Helen John MacDonald of Phoenix, Arizona; and two sons, Ed Fay Bayer of Lexington, and Rick Bayer of Ontario. "Opa" had seven grandchildren, Lisa MacDonald of Florida, Christopher MacDonald of Arizona, Brittany Kyle Sargent of North Carolina, Erika Bayer of Lexington, Dr. Richard Celimar Bayer II of South Carolina, Michael Bayer of Columbus, and Scott Bayer of Columbus; one great-grandchild, Asher Kylynn Sargent; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins throughout the US, Germany, and Canada.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Elisabetha Zepp and Katharina Klaar.

Friends may call at the Diamond Street home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond Street, Mansfield, on Sunday, February 22, 2009 from 3 to 7 p.m. Funeral Services will be conducted by the Rev. Renato Siewert, Monday, February 23, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Mansfield Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Peters Lutheran Church or MedCentral Hospice.