Daniel Nickolas Bayer, 89, passed away April 5, 2020, at his home in Great Bend. He was born on Sept. 12, 1930, in Willowdale, to William Joseph and Margaret (Gehlen) Bayer. He married Mary Kanngiesser on April 8, 1961, at St. John Catholic Church in Zenda. She survives. 

A Great Bend resident since 1964, coming from the Cunningham and Kingman areas, Daniel was a very humble man and had a servant’s heart. He worked in the oilfeld for Ralph Raney and later for Ted Nutt, then as a mechanic for Gibson, Titus and Stafford. He then worked for Straub International as a mechanic, retiring in 1999. After retiring, Dan worked for Silverado Electric. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, having served in the Korean Conflict. He was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Patrick Catholic Church, past Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus Council #862, past Navigator of 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, and life member of VFW Post #3111. Dan was a volunteer at the Heartland Cancer Center, and served his church as a Eucharistic Minister and CCD/PSR teacher and marriage preparation teacher. He was an avid baseball fan and enjoyed many wood working and outdoor hobbies.   

Survivors include, his wife, Mary Bayer of the home; six daughters, Mary Stoss and husband Duane of Great Bend, Carolyn Wilhelm and husband Jerry of Colwich, Connie Dyer and husband Steve of Great Bend, Daniela Reif and husband Wayne of Hoisington, Ann Axman and husband Ryan of Olmitz, and Kristen Swartz and husband Kevin of Bennett, Colo.; six siblings, Sr. Corona Bayer of Great Bend, Genevieve Klein of Charleston, Ark., Herman Bayer of Mountain Grove, Mo., Joan Payne of Kingman, Martina Young of Wichita, and Leonard Bayer of Kingman.; 14 grandchildren; and ten great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; and six siblings, Ralph Bayer, Marion Bayer, Harold Bayer, Walter Bayer, Sr. Camillus Bayer, and an infant brother. 

Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday, April 7, 2020, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 8, with family receiving friends from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. A private family Knights of Columbus Rosary, Vigil and Mass of Christian Burial, with Father Don Bedore presiding, will be held due to the Mass restrictions and limitation set forth by the Catholic Diocese. Interment will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Great Bend with Military Rites conducted by McConnell Air Force Base Honor Guard. Memorials have been suggested to the Prince of Peace Parish or Knights of Columbus Council #862, in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, April 8, 2020