Erik Bayer

Erik Wilhem Bayer (78) left this life on February 10, 2025. He was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend. He lived life to the fullest, facing each day with joy and positivity, not letting any health challenges slow him down. Erik was born in Elgin, IL to Hugo and Dagny Bayer of Algonquin. 

He served his country for two years in Germany as an Army Medic before resuming his education at Southern Oregon University studying economics. While in Oregon, he pursued his true passion of skiing by working at the Mount Ashland Ski Patrol. He later joined the Ski Patrol at The Playboy Club in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin where a chairlift ride with Cathleen Coleman led to 42 years of marriage. Cathy and Erik moved to Barrington where they raised their children, Alina and Matthew. Erik worked in sales for Quaker Oats in Chicago and then Barrington for 38 years, launching oat bran, their natural foods division, and many other health food products. 

After retiring, Erik and Cathy traveled the world, visiting all seven continents. They also traveled the US in their RV, visiting all 50 states and even driving to Alaska. Erik was proud to have skied on five continents and visited 136 ski areas in the United States.

Erik is survived by his wife Cathleen, his daughter Alina Bayer (Klaus Schuller) and son Matthew Bayer (Melanie) and grandchildren Hazel and Coleman. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Alice Bayer and brother Johan Bayer.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at D&J Bistro in Lake Zurich, IL from 1-5pm. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the Grand Geneva Ski Patrol or your favorite National Park.