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William R. Bayer
1945 - 2025
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William Bayer Obituary
William R. Bayer
June 8, 1945 - November 4, 2025
William R. Bayer, age 80, passed away on November 4, at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Minneapolis. Born on June 8, 1945, to William F. and Ruby (Beahr) Bayer, Bill lived a life defined by service, family, and a passion for learning.
In September 1970, Bill married Susan Minarick. Together, they raised a family and built a life centered around faith and community.
Bill attended Wayne State College in Nebraska, graduating with a degree in mathematics. Shortly thereafter, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and sent to Vietnam immediately following basic and advanced training. Bill accepted his assignment with a deep sense of duty to his country. He served in a heavy combat environment and was wounded in two separate engagements, the second of which occurred during an ambush in April 1969.
During his time in Vietnam, Bill formed lifelong friendships, and those who served alongside him spoke of his strength, courage, and unwavering concern for others in dangerous situations. After his second injury, he was honorably discharged and spent a year recovering and rehabilitating at Fort Sam Houston Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. Bill's bravery, sacrifice, and commitment to his country made him a hero to his family, friends, and the Hooper, Nebraska, community, who celebrated his long-awaited homecoming.
Following his military service and recovery, Bill continued his education at the University of Nebraska, earning a master's degree in computer science to complement his undergraduate degree in mathematics. His career spanned several decades and ultimately led him to a rewarding tenure at the University of Minnesota, where he worked on challenges and innovations in the ever-evolving fields of technology.
Bill and Sue settled in the East Bethel/St. Francis, Minnesota area, where Bill enjoyed gardening and tending to his home and land. As a father, he was deeply involved in his children's lives, coaching their teams and teaching many young athletes the games of basketball, softball, and baseball. He welcomed his daughter-in-law, Nicole Petrides, and sons-in-law, Mike Kleespie and Ross Johnson, with respect and joy. He cherished each of his grandchildren and took great pride in their unique personalities, interests, and talents.
Bill is survived by his wife, Susan; his daughter, Jacqueline (Michael) Kleespie; son, Joseph (Nicole) Bayer; daughter, Anne (Ross) Johnson; and eight grandchildren: Jacob, Abigail, Madelynne, William-Maxwell, Ella, Trace-William, Penn, and Winnie. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter Jessica.
In his final years, Bill found comfort and care at the Minnesota Veterans Home, surrounded by the compassion of those who looked after him. He will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him.A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 8 at 1:00 pm (noon visitation) at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2060 Co Rd 6, Long Lake, MN 55356, with a luncheon following immediately after. Burial service will take place Monday, November 10 at 10:00 am at the Hooper Cemetery, 1059 County Road 20, with a luncheon following immediately after.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Hooper American Legion or Vietnam Veterans of America in Bill's honor.
Moser Memorial Chapel
2170 N Somers Ave, Fremont, NE 68025
402-721-4490
June 8, 1945 - November 4, 2025
William R. Bayer, age 80, passed away on November 4, at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Minneapolis. Born on June 8, 1945, to William F. and Ruby (Beahr) Bayer, Bill lived a life defined by service, family, and a passion for learning.
In September 1970, Bill married Susan Minarick. Together, they raised a family and built a life centered around faith and community.
Bill attended Wayne State College in Nebraska, graduating with a degree in mathematics. Shortly thereafter, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and sent to Vietnam immediately following basic and advanced training. Bill accepted his assignment with a deep sense of duty to his country. He served in a heavy combat environment and was wounded in two separate engagements, the second of which occurred during an ambush in April 1969.
During his time in Vietnam, Bill formed lifelong friendships, and those who served alongside him spoke of his strength, courage, and unwavering concern for others in dangerous situations. After his second injury, he was honorably discharged and spent a year recovering and rehabilitating at Fort Sam Houston Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. Bill's bravery, sacrifice, and commitment to his country made him a hero to his family, friends, and the Hooper, Nebraska, community, who celebrated his long-awaited homecoming.
Following his military service and recovery, Bill continued his education at the University of Nebraska, earning a master's degree in computer science to complement his undergraduate degree in mathematics. His career spanned several decades and ultimately led him to a rewarding tenure at the University of Minnesota, where he worked on challenges and innovations in the ever-evolving fields of technology.
Bill and Sue settled in the East Bethel/St. Francis, Minnesota area, where Bill enjoyed gardening and tending to his home and land. As a father, he was deeply involved in his children's lives, coaching their teams and teaching many young athletes the games of basketball, softball, and baseball. He welcomed his daughter-in-law, Nicole Petrides, and sons-in-law, Mike Kleespie and Ross Johnson, with respect and joy. He cherished each of his grandchildren and took great pride in their unique personalities, interests, and talents.
Bill is survived by his wife, Susan; his daughter, Jacqueline (Michael) Kleespie; son, Joseph (Nicole) Bayer; daughter, Anne (Ross) Johnson; and eight grandchildren: Jacob, Abigail, Madelynne, William-Maxwell, Ella, Trace-William, Penn, and Winnie. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter Jessica.
In his final years, Bill found comfort and care at the Minnesota Veterans Home, surrounded by the compassion of those who looked after him. He will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him.A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 8 at 1:00 pm (noon visitation) at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2060 Co Rd 6, Long Lake, MN 55356, with a luncheon following immediately after. Burial service will take place Monday, November 10 at 10:00 am at the Hooper Cemetery, 1059 County Road 20, with a luncheon following immediately after.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Hooper American Legion or Vietnam Veterans of America in Bill's honor.
Moser Memorial Chapel
2170 N Somers Ave, Fremont, NE 68025
402-721-4490
Published by Fremont Tribune on Nov. 7, 2025.
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