Thomas Norton Bayer

Dear Marilyn,
I’m so saddened to read about Dr. Bayer’s death. He was a wonderful teacher and had a profound impact on me and my husband, Mike Heim. You, Mike and I were in the same graduating class of 1974. Mike and I worked as geologists in the oil industry for several years. Sadly, Mike passed away in 2019we had been married for 45 years.
Peace be with you and your family.
Mary Bouthilet Heim

As a graduate of the WSU Geology program in the mid-90’s it was a privilege to have been a student of Dr. Bayer’s. I can hardly remember a class where he wasn’t the first one in the room sitting quietly at the front on his metal stool, expressionless but with perfect posture, robed in his white lab coat and waiting for the second hand of the clock to strike 12 so he could start on time. In my very first class with him (Geo II), he wished a few of us good luck for sitting in the back row which he considered the ‘D’ row- it was a joy proving him wrong (I got an A). Who can forget his paleontology class where he made us hand-draw, in excruciating detail, the litany of invertebrates on those recipe cards?- if you don’t remember the taxonomy and morphological minutiae of receptaculites then you probably didn’t take his class. He made us learn and was tough but fair. If you didn’t think he had an empathetic side then you probably didn’t take his seminar/public speaking class where he would genuinely share about his own fears and aversions to the public which he suffered from in his youth. He was very fond of the department’s alums, spoke often and highly of them, was the keeper of their contact info and was always interested in updates- it’s possible we may have earned his respect and became part of his ‘family’ simply because we survived/graduated. His geophysics class was the most interesting and impactful on me as a professional practitioner. Out of respect, I’ve never been able to call him Tom- he’ll always be Dr. Bayer to me.

As one of his many students--and one who straddled the line on the amount of foolishness he would suffer, I just want to say that his impact on his students was profound and memorable. I feel fortunate to have crossed paths with him when I did. My first class with him was (Geo 2 AKA Historical Geology) was one of the most enjoyable times of my life--inside or outside of academia, and was largely responsible for my studying geology.

Farewell to Winona State University's answer to Indiana Jones.

Tom's obituary is a wonderful, thoughtful reflection of his life. It sounds like he continued to be active in his rock/fossil world and enjoyed his love of the water and all it holds. I'm wishing you and your family comfort, Marilyn. I was one of the few female geology majors with you at wsu in the mid 70's. I loved his paleontology and astronomy classes and went on to teach the same for 35 yrs.

What a great person and teacher!!! Dr Bayer was one of the best profs and mentors I've had. I'm so thankful that I ended up in Winona in the Geology Department that was lead by Dr Bayer. He and the other faculty members got me started on a wonderful career that took me around the world. Thanks!!!!

He was an amazing man and will be missed.

A full life and touched many!

Marilyn, my thoughts and condolences sent to you at this time. Your husband led a full life and made many memories for so many people.
Marna (a friend of Arlyn’s and Susan)

Sincere sympathy Marilyn and girls. So very sorry for your loss. Patricia Guth

Sorry to hear this thoughts and prayers.

My sincere condolences, I know what it is like to loose a longtime companion.

My sincere condolences to you and the girls on the passing of Tom. He lived a full and enriched life.

Our condolences to Marilyn, Adrienne, April and extended family of Tom. By Tom and Wayne crossing paths while professors at WSU and Tom introducing Wayne to the Frauenkrons, we are grateful to eventually be come neighbors over the hill from Catalpa Coulee. Comparing and sharing techniques of raising kitchen garden produce brings special memories to mind. Tom will be greatly missed.

I am lucky enough to have been one of Tom's students at WSU. I have wonderful memories of the western field he led and being pushed to do the best I could. My sympathies to Marilyn and family. RIP Tom

An amazing man.

I have so many happy memories of my time at WSU withDr. Bayer! He caught me right out of high school and (easily) talked me into my geology major that led to so many joys outdoors. The western US states will forever hold my fascination thanks to his western trip!.

Thank you for being my brother and all the good times we had together, You lived a good life. Love Scott.
You will be missed.

Sending sympathy to Marilyn and family.

Deepest sympathy to Toms family!

I did not have the pleasure of getting to know Thomas Bayer, however, I have gotten to know Adrienne, his daughter, very well. She is fun, funny, thoughtful and intelligent. I believe our children are a testament to us, and that means that Mr. Bayer must have been a lovely person. My heart goes out to Adrienne and the rest of his family. Rest in Power, sir.

Our thoughts are with all of you during this time of sadness. May your memories carry you all and your loved ones.