Rayburn Bauer
Rayburn was born on May 10, 1951, to Viola (Goehring) and Roy Bauer. After Roy's death in his childhood, his mother married Ernest Olson, and they moved to his farm near Langford where Rayburn grew up. He graduated from Langford High School in 1969 and went on to attend Lake Area Vocational Technical School for Auto Mechanics.
On May 15, 1978, Rayburn married Sandra “Sandy” Schmieg. Together, they built a life in Britton, SD. From this union came two daughters; Jennifer and Becky. Rayburn worked as a machinist at Horton, Inc. and they spent time in the summers camping and fishing.
In 1992, following the death of his stepfather, Rayburn moved his family to the farm near Langford. The farm was where he truly felt at home, and he remained there for the rest of his life.
Rayburn was endlessly curious about how things worked. He loved tinkering with equipment, machinery, engines, and nearly anything mechanical. Friends and neighbors knew they could call Rayburn when they needed help getting a vehicle or piece of equipment running or when a tractor engine needed an overhaul. He generously shared his time and abilities and was always willing to lend a hand with a project.
Rayburn loved fishing with Sandy and his grandkids. He took pride in his fishing poles and in keeping his boat and motors running. His interest in restoring old cars was another reflection of his mechanical curiosity. He collected Model A parts, assembled frames for Model A cars, and always had plans for the next restoration project. He took great pride in his 1930 Ford Model A and 1964 Chevrolet Impala, which made many appearances in parades. He also enjoyed watching sports, whether attending his grandchildren’s activities or watching basketball and football on television.
Rayburn was soft-spoken, but his silences sometimes carried more weight than words ever could. He often had a mischevious grin on his face and could strike up a conversation with nearly anyone he met. His curiosity, kindness, mechanical abilities, and willingness to help others will be remembered by all who knew and loved him.
Rayburn was an active member of Zion Reformed Church in Amherst, South Dakota.
Rayburn Bauer, 75, of Langford, South Dakota, passed away on Friday, July 31, 2026.
Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Sandy; his mother-in-law, Delores Schmieg; his daughters, Jennifer (Justin) Wegleitner and Rebecca (Ryan) Wade; his grandchildren, Autumn Wegleitner, Tyson Wade, Aiden (Alyssa) Wade, and Harmony Wade; his great-grandchild, Milo Wade; and his sisters, Sharlene (Ralph) Olauson, Glenda (Richard) Heier, and Bernice (Raydin) Olson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Viola and Roy, and his stepfather, Ernest.