Stephen "Steve" Russell Bayer, age 71, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2023 at his home in West Bend surrounded by family. He was born on March 8, 1951 in Hartford, WI to Russell and Shirley (nee Krueger) Bayer. Steve enjoyed fishing, hunting and was an avid football and racing fan.

Steve is survived by his wife of 48 years, Kathleen (nee Zahn); children, Scott (Stacey) Bayer, Sonya (Ryan) Herrick, Kurt Bayer; grandchildren, Kaylee Bayer and Gavin Bayer, Miya, Piper and Laikyn Herrick; his sister Janice (Paul) Schlinsky; his mother-in-law, Dorothy Zahn; siblings-in-law, Carol (Larry) Pawlik, Linda (David) Rehberger, Richard (Stephanie) Zahn and Dale (Susan) Zahn. He is further survived by other relatives and friends.

Steve is preceded in death by his parents Russell and Shirley (nee Krueger) Bayer and father-in-law Richard (Dorothy) Zahn.

A Gathering of Friends and Family will be on Sunday, January 15, 2023 at the Phillip Funeral Home Chapel (1420 W Paradise Dr. West Bend, WI 53095) from 1:00PM until 3:00PM. To honor Steve's wishes, no formal service will follow.