Leonard "Len" R. Bayer

Leonard “Len” R. Bayer, 87, Weston, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family on Friday, October 16, 2023, following a two-year battle with cancer.

He was born July 22, 1939, in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, son of the late Leonard A. Bayer and Beatrice (Mueller) Bayer. He graduated from DC Everest High School and attended UW- Madison receiving a BS degree in Animal Husbandry. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the US Army and served as a 91R Veterinary Food Inspection Specialist. While stationed in Denver, Colorado, he met his future wife at a USO dance. On December 21, 1963, he married Agnes M. Floyd in Denver, Colorado.

Len was a cattleman and entrepreneur. He enjoyed raising Angus cattle and his dream was to market beef from farm to table. He built a small local locker plant into a regionally recognized meat processor that marketed nationwide. He owned and operated Country Fresh Meats in Weston until his retirement at age 80. Always a salesman, he operated several other small businesses selling industrial fasteners and hay and straw as well as maintaining a farming operation.

Throughout his life, Len was very active in many livestock organizations. He was a member of the Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors, served as president of the Wisconsin Cattleman’s Association, President of the Wisconsin Livestock Breeders Association and was a founding member of the Marathon County Market Animal Show and Sale. For many years, he and Jim Vlietstra coached the Marathon County 4-H Livestock and Meats judging teams. He served as a director on the Wisconsin Valley Fair Board, Intercity State Bank Board, and Central Wisconsin Airport Board, Wisconsin 4-H Foundation and Partnership for Progressive Agriculture. He was recognized as a Distinguished Agriculturalist by UW-River Falls College of Agriculture and as Friend of the Wisconsin Livestock Breeders Association.

Len loved to spend time with his family and enjoyed cheering on his grandchildren as they exhibited livestock, performed in musicals and dance and played sports. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his loving wife of 63 years, Agnes; four children, Renee Radcliffe, Weston, Kathleen Bayer, Weston, Scott (Mia) Bayer, Ringle and Matthew (Cherie) Bayer, Ringle; seven grandchildren, Jessica (Chad) Horsley, Jared (Emily) Radcliffe, Ty Bayer, Calli (Kale) Spengler, Tucker Bayer, Will Bayer and Stella Bayer; five great-grandchildren, Jeb, Josie, Jaxon, Jagger and Paislee; one brother, Thomas (Gail) Bayer, Ringle; and many relatives and friends.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Jan Radcliffe.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 25, 2026 from 1:00 until 6:00 pm and again on Monday, October 26, 2026 from 10:00-11:00 am with a memorial service at 11:00 am at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be directed to scholarship funds thru the Wisconsin Angus Auxiliary, Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors and Partnership for Progressive Agriculture.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com