Kathleen Ann Bayer (née Byrne) passed away peacefully on February 26, 2025, at the age of 81.
She was the beloved wife of the late William Bayer, Jr., and a devoted mother to William (Teresa) Bayer, Debbie (Paul) McCaslin, and Kevin Bayer. A cherished grandmother, Kathleen’s love extended to Lauren Boyer (Ted Schmitt), Kathleen McCaslin (Spencer Powlette), William McCaslin, Benjamin McCaslin, Natalie Bayer, Rebecca Bayer, and Daniel McCaslin. She was also a proud great-grandmother to Jonah Schmitt and William “Liam” Schmitt.
Born on August 4, 1943, Kathleen was the daughter of the late William and Bernadine Byrne. She was a loving sister to Mary (Harry) Beard, Betty Steinlage, Bernadette (the late Steve) Eichhorn, and Terry (Jim) Moenning. She was also a treasured aunt, great-aunt, cousin, and dear friend to many.
Kathleen’s deep Catholic faith guided her throughout her life, and she lived that faith through dedicated service to her community. She gave her time generously to St. Catherine Laboure, St. Paul Catholic School, Cor Jesu Academy, and Saint Louis University High School. A former co-owner of O’Byrne Religious Goods Company, she helped provide spiritual resources to many.
Beyond her faith and family, Kathleen found joy in playing bridge and exploring the world through travel. She will be remembered for her kindness, her generosity, and the love she shared with all who knew her.
SERVICES: Visitation will be held on Friday, March 7, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at KUTIS AFFTON CHAPEL (10151 Gravois Rd., 63123) . The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 8, at 9:30 AM at St. Catherine Laboure.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to area Catholic schools or the Today & Tomorrow Educational Foundation.
May her soul and all the souls departed rest in peace. I am glad to say Bill and Kathy were good friends and always made me feel part of their family life. God bless.
Deepest sympathy for all the Byrne and Bayer families! How wonderful that a large and bonded family will keep Kathy’s memory alive. Sending prayers and fond thoughts to you all.
Susan Loftus
( friend of Mary Byrne Beard)
Bernadette, so sorry for your loss. I will jeep you and your family in my prayers.
For All of Kathy’s Children and Loved Ones,
Kathy was such a kind and loving person. I will be remembering you All in prayer and especially, Kevin, this week.
Rest in peace my dear friend. A life well lived. Kind to anyone she met. Woman of faith. So loved her family.
Chrissy, I’m so very sorry for your loss. I hope the memories you hold dear to your heart will ease some of your pain
To all of Kathys Family my deepest sympathy. She was a dear neighbor for over 30 years.
Kathy was my dear sister and was always setting good examples for me and my 3 younger sisters. She was a strong person and believed in love and keeping our family close. She will be dearly missed, but her suffering is over. I am sure God has welcomed her home
My deepest condolences to all of Kathy’s family. Bill, Debbie, and Kevin, I’m very sorry for your loss. Your Mom was so kind, and I know she will be missed by friends and family. Sending thoughts and prayers to you.
Kathy introduced me (Bob Haggerty) to Kathy’s wonderful family when we were able to connect her family and mine through the internet. It was a joyful meeting which we continued through several get-togethers. My wife (Margaret) and I hope we can resume our contacting by mail and phone
Condolences on the loss of a wonderful, joyful, presence who energized every person she was with, including cousins who came in late but who will always remember her and all the “new family” she connected us with.
Lovd Bob and Margaret