Alvina Bayer

Alvina M. Bayer, age 97, of Elrosa and Lake Miltona, passed away Saturday, February 4, 2017 at Pine Villa Care Center in Melrose, Minnesota.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 18, 2017 at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Elrosa with Father Peter Kirchner presiding.

Visitation will be from 9 to 10:45 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18th at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Elrosa.

Alvina Mary Essler was born June 27, 1919 in Padua, Minnesota, the daughter of Joseph and Theresia (Derschel) Essler. On November 25, 1941, Alvina was united in marriage to Edmund Matthew Bayer in St. Anthony Catholic Church of Padua, Minnesota and made their home in Elrosa. Alvina was the proud mother to six children and she also worked with her husband at Skeeter's Bar in Elrosa until 1977. Soon after retirement, Alvina and Edmund moved to Lake Miltona in Leaf Valley Township, Douglas County, Minnesota. Pine Villa Care Center became her home in 2014.

Alvina loved to fish and garden. Cooking for people and entertaining at her home always brought her great joy. Bird-watching and feeding the birds were some of her favorite pastimes, especially at the lake. She also enjoyed dancing whenever the opportunity arose. Alvina loved being a mom and truly enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Alvina was a member of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Elrosa, Saints Peter and Paul Christian Mothers, the American Legion Auxiliary of Millerville, and the Paul F. Donart VFW Post 2853 Auxiliary in Sauk Centre.

Survivors include: her children and spouses, Bob and Marcia Bayer of Elrosa, Jim and Susan Bayer of Belgrade, Deb and Dan Haskamp of St. Cloud, Pam and Bob Imdieke, Jr. of Big Lake, and Bruce and Peggy Bayer of Paynesville; daughter-in-law, Delores Bayer of Brooten; 15 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; sister, Delores Schmidt of Elrosa; and other relatives and friends.

Alvina was preceded in death by her husband, Edmund M. Bayer "Skeeter" in 1991; son, Allen Bayer in 2005; parents, Joseph and Theresia Essler; brother, Raymond Essler; and sister, Sally Mildenberger.

Casket bearers include Alvina's grandsons, Aaron Bayer, Brian Imdieke, Paul Haskamp, Matthew Bayer, Adam Haskamp, Sam Bayer, Scott Imdieke, and Evan Bayer. Alvina's granddaughters, Paula Froseth serves as cross bearer, Kelli Imdieke serves as scripture bearer, lectors include Amiee Thomas, Stacy Peter, and Anne Haskamp. Jenny Bayer and Patti Liebrenz will carry the communion gifts.