Francis Mayer

Francis G. Mayer, age 87 of Sauk Centre, died peacefully Saturday, June 9, 2012 at his home in Sauk Centre, Minnesota.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 13 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Sauk Centre with Rev. Richard McGuire officiating and Rev. Todd Schneider concelebrating. Private inurnment will follow in the parish cemetery.

Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday morning at the church.

Francis George Mayer was born May 13, 1925 on the family farm in Raymond Township, Stearns County, Minnesota to Ignatius and Helena (Kiffmeyer) Mayer. He was proud to work as a third generation farmer for all his childhood and 31 years of his adult life. On November 9, 1948 he was united in marriage to Eunice Schramel at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Padua, Minnesota. God blessed them with two sons and seven daughters. The couple sold the family homestead in 1979 and moved to Sauk Centre. He worked as a carpenter for four years and then went to work at Jennie-O Turkey Store in Melrose for 24 additional years until the age of 82. When Francis finally retired from the workforce, he enjoyed singing and playing the guitar and fiddle. He also enjoyed gardening and woodworking. He was famous for his homemade bread and rolls that he blessed his family and friends with.

Francis was a faithful member of St. Paul's Catholic Church. He was active in the St. Faustina Eucharistic Adoration Chapel. His love and commitment to Jesus was an inspiration to his family.

Francis is survived by his children Donnie (Linda) Mayer of Farmington, Lou Ann (David) Swift of Waconia, Sandy Mayer of Andover, Karen (Curt) Olmscheid of Melrose, Carmen (Don) Karger of Goodhue, Denise (Ray) Jennissen of Sauk Centre, Patty (David) Young of Blaine and Lisa (Michael) Goeltl of Circle Pines; 17 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; sisters, Rose Spaeth and Peggy Littlefield.

Francis was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Eunice Mayer on December 13, 2005; son, Francis "Butch" Mayer on December 21, 2011; great-grandson, Brett Mayer; parents, Ignatius and Helena Mayer; brother, Clarence Mayer; sisters, Hilda Killeen, Cecelia Rooney, Leona Pfieffer, Irene Essler, and Marie Seitz.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. We love you Dad, until we see you again.