Richard J. "Dick" Bayer

Richard “Dick” Bayer was born in Omaha, NE, on March 24th, 1937 – the eldest child of what would grow to become a family of six. From an early age he demonstrated traits of leadership, responsibility, and selflessness that not only served his family well, but would go on to shape his path in life. These same traits were a natural fit for athletics and when paired with his raw talent, saw him become a key contributor to back-to-back undefeated football seasons during his junior and senior years at Creighton Prep. His skill and character did not go unnoticed, and ultimately resulted in a full-ride athletic scholarship to St Ambrose College where he went on to earn a degree in Physics.

After returning to Omaha, Dick quickly set about laying the foundations for what would be a rich and fulfilling life. When in doubt, he tended to default to helping others and spent much of his time working with disadvantaged youth and taking an active role in supporting his church. His focus on faith and community led him down the right path. Not only did it set in motion his eventual career at Creighton Prep, but more importantly it led him to meet the love of his life, Daryl Ann, whom he married in April of 1963.

For half a century, his unwavering dedication to Creighton Prep was nothing short of remarkable, as he became a fixture in both the math department and the sports arena. In addition to teaching Algebra and Geometry, he coached many sports, with particularly notable success in Gymnastics and Soccer. Dick repeatedly put in extra effort to support his students and athletes, often spending time both before and after school tutoring, coaching, and providing rides or support where needed to ensure everyone had the best chance to shine.

Perhaps even more remarkable though was his dedication to his family. Dick and Daryl Ann were married for just short of sixty years, raising 8 children and helping to raise 23 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Every free moment he had was spent with his family. From the day-to-day, to coaching teams, to the cherished yearly mountain camping trips, Dick was never very far from his kids. Even when working on his own car or yard or house projects (like when he built the family home), he would always “welcome” his children to participate, making the project longer for him, but at the same time doing so much to prepare them to be self-sufficient later in life. He definitely was not one to coddle, but family could always count on him to do any amount of work, no matter how arduous, to help support them in realizing their own hopes and dreams.

He was a great man and did many great things, but for those who knew him best, he will simply be remembered as someone you could just sit with and enjoy the day. His unique sense of humor, colorful opinions, and “helpful” suggestions were always just around the corner ready to make you smile. He provided a foundation for many, a support and friend who was always there to help through hard times and to make good times a little more joyous. He was an amazing husband, brother, parent, grandparent, and friend, and left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be greatly missed.

Visitation: Thursday, October 12th, beginning at 6:00 PM with a WAKE SERVICE at 7:00pm at the 72nd St Chapel.

Funeral: Friday, October 13th, at 10:30am at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 6905 Blondo St, Omaha, NE 68104.

To view the Funeral Service online, go to: https://heartstreaming.link/Richard-Dick-Bayer

In lieu of flowers, MEMORIALS may be made to St. Pius X Catholic Church or Creighton Preparatory High School.

John A. Gentleman Mortuaries and Crematory

72nd Street Chapel

Omaha, NE. 68114

402-391-1664

www.johnagentleman.com