Charles "Chuck" O. Bayer

Charles Oscar “Chuck” Bayer, age 89, of Appleton, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2025, after a short illness.

Chuck was born in Appleton, Wisconsin, on December 24, 1935, to Oscar and Laura (Watson) Bayer. He graduated from Appleton High School. Shortly after high school, Chuck found his love for Hawaii and golf while stationed at Tripler Army Medical Center in Oahu, Hawaii.

After returning home in 1964, he married the love of his life, Joyce R. Nau, on June 6 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Appleton and celebrated 54 years of marriage together. He started a career in the printing industry, where he worked for nearly 35 years before retiring in 1999 to pursue his true passions—golf, bowling, and storytelling.

A gifted athlete, Chuck was a multi–time Appleton City Golf Champion and a multi–time Fox Cities Amateur Champion, along with numerous other tournament victories across Wisconsin. He also carded 6 Hole-In-Ones. He was also an accomplished bowler in the Fox Cities area and was inducted into the area Bowling Hall of Fame in 1991.

Chuck will be remembered not only for his skill on the course and lanes, but for his humor, warmth, and ability to make friends wherever he went. He loved to share stories and a good laugh with his bowling and golfing buddies.

In 1964, he married the love of his life, Joyce R. Nau, on June 6 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Appleton.

Chuck is survived by his beloved daughter, Lori (Chris) Bayer-Medo; his son, Mark Bayer; three grandchildren, Melissa (Joe) Vinson, Ryan (Erin) Bayer, and Austin Bayer; and one great-granddaughter, Abigail Joyce. He also survived by two sisters-in-law, Margaret (Peggy) Nau, Alice Velie, and his godson, James Bayer, along with many special nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Laura; his brothers and sisters in law, Sylvester (Jeanne) and Gerald “Babe” (Lois) Bayer; sister and brother-in-law, Delores (Lou) Mutschler; and his beloved wife, Joyce, her siblings Glen Nau, Jean (Duane) Maves, and brother-in-law Ronald Velie.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Eagle Point Senior Center, Theda Care-Appleton, and Rennes Health and Rehab for their wonderful care, kindness, and compassion.

Please join us in celebrating Chuck's life on Saturday, November 15, 2025. The visitation will be 10:00am until 12:00pm and with a memorial service to follow at Noon at Wichman’s Funeral Home, 537 N Superior St., Appleton, Wisconsin.