Margaret (Müller) Bayer, 95, of Mansfield died Monday May 26, 2025, at home surrounded by her loving family. Born December 1, 1929 in Tschervenka, Yugoslavia, she was the daughter of Adam and Christine (Neu) Müller. She married Jacob Bayer August 17, 1949 in Vienna, Austria and together they immigrated to the United States from Austria in 1951 and made Mansfield/Ontario, Ohio their home. They were married for 60 years raising three children.
Margaret was devoted to her family, homemaker, avid baker and loved to cook, especially for her family. “Oma” as she was affectionately called by her grandchildren and many others, was an inspiration to her entire family. Oma had a beautiful contagious smile and outgoing personality that would light up any room. She loved reminiscing of the olden days in Yugoslavia/Germany/Austria and her early years coming to the US. Her joyous attitude and life stories made her special to all she met.
In addition to her cooking and baking, she also enjoyed reading, gardening, music, singing, and especially dancing. In 1988, along with her husband Jacob, they founded the Mansfield Liederkranz Senior Dance Group. She was a member of the former St. Peters Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Mansfield Liederkranz. Her homemade cookies, pastries, tortes, strudel and various old fashioned specialty German dishes and garlic bread became cherished dishes for all that knew her.
Margaret is survived by one daughter Helen (John) MacDonald of Phoenix, Arizona, two sons Ed (Fay) Bayer of Mansfield, Ohio and Rick Bayer of Ontario, Ohio. “Oma” had seven grandchildren: Lisa MacDonald (Brian) of Florida, Christopher MacDonald of Arizona, Brittany (Rev. Kyle) Sargent of Warren, Massachusetts, Erika (Dan) Stupienski of Granby, Connecticut, Dr. Richard (Brittany) Bayer II of Billings, Montana, Michael (Brittany) Bayer of Ontario, Ohio and Scott (Kait) Bayer of Gahanna, Ohio. Oma had thirteen precious great-grandchildren, Asher and Bayer Sargent of Warren, Massachusetts, Evelyn, Jakob and Loraine Stupienski of Granby, Connecticut, Kai and Hendrix Bayer of Billings, Montana, Ellie, Nora and Lucy Bayer of Ontario, Ohio, Marlowa, Bodie and Callahan Bayer of Gahanna, Ohio. She is also survived by her sister Christl (Lothar) Jacob of Germany, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins throughout the US and Germany. “Oma” will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
She was preceded in death by her husband Jacob of 60 years, brother Adam Müller of Austria and her parents.
Friends may call at the Diamond Street home of Wappner Funeral Directors on Tuesday June 3, 2025 from 9:30 AM – 11:00AM. Funeral services will follow at 11:00AM and be conducted by her grandson-in-law Reverend Kyle Sargent from Massachusetts. Burial will follow in the Mansfield Cemetery. Special thanks to Avita Hospice personnel, especially Jen Karr who helped care and comfort Oma and became part of the Bayer family.