Service Details
Visitation will be from 1:00 – 4:00 pm and the service from 4:00 – 5:00 pm on Friday, October 18th at the Memorial Hall, 72 – 7th St, Racine, WI 53403.
Memorial Suggestions
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Max’s name to Raymond Fire Department / City of Racine Fire Department or Next Rung. Next Rung is a non-profit with a mission to combat mental health issues among firefighters and first responders.
Maxwell J. Bayer 1993-2024
Maxwell J. Bayer, 31, a fearless firefighter in Racine and the Village of Raymond, died on Thursday, October 10th, 2024, in a tragic vehicle accident. He was born in West Allis, WI in 1993 to Jim and Cheryl (Brasier, Harter) Bayer. Max went to Waterford High School before studying the trade of Tool & Die at Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC). Then he found his true calling as a firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Max always admired the heroism of firefighters and therefore was proud to join the Raymond Fire & Rescue Department in 2011 as a paid on-call firefighter where he obtained the rank of Captain. This suited Max because he loved to give to his community and mentor others. In 2022 Max was accepted into the Racine Fire Academy and graduated in 2023, becoming a City of Racine Firefighter and EMT. Max also became part of the Hazardous Materials Response Team for Racine. Max’s highest achievements were marrying the love of his life whom he waited 28 years to meet, Caitlin (Reynolds) Bayer in 2023, and expecting their first child in March 2025. Max and Caitlin shared the love of family, friends, and travel. Max’s unexpected passing is a shock to his family, friends, and loved ones, who are still reeling at the loss. He lived a vibrant life and still had so much ahead of him. He was taken far too soon. Max’s tissues and eyes were donated and through his gift, our hope is that others will experience and see life the way he did.
In light of the sudden news, the family asks for privacy as they deal with this tragic loss.
Max was loved especially by his wife Caitlin, their unborn child, parents Jim and Cheryl (Brasier, Harter) Bayer, sister Jackie (Harter) Pratt, father-in-law Pat Reynolds, brothers-in-law Mike Pratt, Ryan Reynolds and Keith Hendrixson, sister-in-law, Erin (Reynolds) Hendrixson, nieces, Rylie and Raegan Pratt.
Max was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Penny (Green) Reynolds, grandparents, Ralph and Barbara (Mason, Berse) Bayer, and Marion (Borofka) Brasier, also Uncle Butch.
Visitation will be from 1:00 – 4:00 pm and the service from 4:00 – 5:00 pm on Friday, October 18th at the Memorial Hall, 72 – 7th St, Racine, WI 53403. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Max’s name to Raymond Fire Department / City of Racine Fire Department or Next Rung. Next Rung is a non-profit with a mission to combat mental health issues among firefighters and first responders.
Sallie Burroughs says
My condolences to his wife,family n friends he will truely be missed may he rest in peace
Lynn Conlee says
My heart breaks for Max ‘s parents and his wife and baby. He was such a great guy and was taken way too soon. I am so so sorry for your loss.
Rich "Bo" Bosanko says
To Max’s family, and the Racine /Raymond Fire Department FAMILY: On behalf of the Fire
Service FAMILY, our sincere sympathy to all of you on the loss of your beloved Max. We wish you many fond memories of him, and the good times that you all shared together as a family.
We loved Max as a Brother firefighter,and he gave it right back! Caitlin, you will ALWAYS be a member of the Fire Service Family, we will ALWAYS “have your back”. Never forget that! We will always be there for you. To our Brothers and Sisters on the Racine and Raymond fire
departments, STAY STRONG. Honor Max’s committment to the Fire Service by continuing to do your job to the best of your ability, protecting your communities 24-7, just as Max would have done. God Bless Our Fallen Brother, Max.
Rich “Bo”Bosanko-Battalion Chief-Retired
Kenosha Fire Department
Jack Redieske says
I am so sorry to hear this. I’m a product sales rep for Dinges Fire Company and I had the pleasure to work with Max on several occasions. Max will be missed deeply. RIP my friend
Patsy Ayres says
So sorry for your loss
mark s. celeste says
Im deeply sad about the lost of your son and husband I was a former member of the sturtevant fire department and know a lot of racine fire fighters may you be at peace and if the forth coming of the baby you need any thing please let me know
Tanya, Rob, Cosette & Corinne Hoar says
I don’t have words to express my immense sympathy. I’m so sorry for this tragic loss and we have a special love for Caitlyn who was my daughters teacher during Covid. You are a wonderful person and if I can do anything, please reach out. I’m happy to help. We adore you and send love during this time of sadness.
Kirk Weese says
So very sorry for your loss. I met Max many years ago as one of his 4-H leaders / instructors. He has grown into a great man and will be missed.
dave bosanko says
On Behalf of the Retired Professional FireFighters of Wisconsin (RPFFW) Our Thoughts and Prayers going to Brother Bayers Family and Friends Max You Left Us Too Soon, But Your Memory will Always Remain and The Fire Service Will Watch Over Your Family….Rest in Peace Brother.
Darren & Laurie (Shindel) DeGreef says
Jim & Cheryl, we are so very heartbroken and sorry for your loss. Please accept our deepest sympathies and healing prayers.
Sophia Smith says
Sending you lots of hugs and love today. Wishing I could be there with you today. Sending my deepest condolences. Caitlin and Max have supported me through so much and are my biggest role models that I look up to daily. So grateful to have gotten to know and have Max in my life.
Jessica Wright says
Caitlin, I am so very sorry for your loss. It was always a pleasure seeing Max at RMECU. I fondly remember the day he introduced you to us as his wife; the two of you were the epitome of love. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Muschinske Family says
We cannot imagine the pain and heartache you’re feeling. We are praying for your peace and comfort. Our love and prayers go out to the entire Bayer family
Sherri & Brian Benzelock says
We are so shocked and saddened by this tragic and unfair loss. We will always cherish our fond memories of Max. We send our sincerest condolences to the family. Love, hugs and prayers to you guys.
Wanda Conley says
My tears, prayers and thoughts are with your family. I am so very deeply sorry for your loss. Paying God gives you strength and comfort one breath at a time. ❤️💔🙏