Ann Bayer

Ann Bayer

October 23, 1937 - August 31, 2025

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Obituary

Ann Marie (Erickson) Bayer, age 87, passed away on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Parkside Retirement Community in DeForest, WI. She was born on October 23, 1937, to Roy and Vivian (Wang) Erickson in LaCrosse, WI. Ann met Bill Bayer at her daughter Carrie's wedding after many failed attempts to bring them together sooner.  Once they met, they were inseparable. Their mutual love of dancing, things Norwegian and many other shared interests paved the way to a deeply loving relationship.  They were married February 15th, 1986, in Middleton, WI."

Ann worked in the healthcare field for over 30 years, starting as a Nurse's Aide, then going back to school to get her Licensed Practical Nurse Degree and proudly working her way up to becoming a Registered Nurse. She worked at American Red Cross, Mendota State Hospital and Central Wisconsin Center.

Ann was talented seamstress, even making her kids clothes as they grew up. She lovingly sewed magnificent quilts for everyone in her family; sewing was Ann's true passion. In her free time, she also enjoyed going for walks, gardening, skiing, dancing and working on jigsaw puzzles. Ann was also a master at making Lefse.

Bill and Ann loved traveling and shared so many adventures together from Honeymooning in Iceland to traveling to New Zealand, Australia, Norway, and so many other places around the world.

Ann is survived by her husband, Bill; children, Carrie (Mark) Hochstetter, Amy Dellis; stepchildren, David (Jill) Bayer, Erik (Liz) Bayer, Beth Bayer, Threasa (Jim Rounds) Bayer, Phillip (Krissy) Bayer and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; first husband, James Schamens who died in 1976; brother, Richard Erickson and sister, Jean Frandy.

The family would like to thank Jill for her compassionate care and willingness to help. Also, Agrace Hospice for their loving care, especially Heather and Kelly as well as the staff at Parkside Assisted Living.

A Celebration of Ann's Life will be held at a later date.

To view this obituary and leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Windsor/DeForest Chapel
6924 Lake Road
608-846-4250

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Ann
DR
Down the road
Family •
Merry Christmas Annie!
TR
Theresa Rounds
Family •
You have always been such a wonderful person. Kind and welcomming in every way. You made my father very happy throughout the years. I loved your infectious laugh and your beautiful quilts that you so lovingly made. I will miss you.
MC
Matthew Cunniff
Family •
Always welcomed me with open arms and treated me with warmth and good humor. You will surely be missed.
BB
Beth Bayer
Family •
Ann, you are an amazing woman, you have a heart of gold. I will always remember the love and your smile that would light up a room. Your talent in sewing, your sense of humor and you made the best cookies ever. I will miss you dearly.
KB
Krissy Bayer
Family •
A letter to Ann if she could read it: Dear Ann, Thank you for being such a thoughtful and steady presence in my life. I always appreciated your way of gently offering perspective — never judging, always supportive, giving me advice in such a sweet way as my Step-Mother in Law, always with humor. Your dry wit never failed to crack me up. It’ll always bring me a smile when I think about it now. It's hard to believe you’re gone. Just two weeks ago I got to see you. You cracked a joke about your haircut after I paid you a compliment. I didn’t realize that would be our last conversation. I will now always treasure your jokes from the past. One thing I’ll always treasure is the Christmas garland you made for me 30 years ago from the fabric used as a gift I gave you 31 years ago. You were always so creative with your sewing and never wasted any fabric, which I so admire because I sew too! Your expert advice last summer about my sequined Taylor Swift dresses I was sewing meant the world to me. You were so savvy on the internet watching my video. (You were spot on with how to finish my edges too!) I will hang my garland this year, as I have for many years, but now thinking and celebrating you. Love you always and forever, Krissy
JB
Jessica Bayer
Family •
My grandma Ann was the kindest soul with an amazing knack for sewing. I will snuggle into your blankets a little tighter now. ♥️

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