Edward Mayer

Edward M. Mayer

10/30/31 – 9/28/15

Edward M. Mayer, 83, passed away at his home in Morris on September 28, 2015, with family at his side. Ed was born on October 30, 1931 to the late Egid and Marie (Paterny) Mayer. He was raised in a jovial home in Chicago, Illinois and attended Onarga Military School for three years. Ed spent his senior year at York High School in Elmhurst, Illinois and graduated in 1949. He attended Elmhurst College but left before graduation because he had fallen in love and was eager to join the workforce. Ed married Carole Heffel on August 23, 1953. He was involved with church and the community and influenced many young people throughout his life. He was a 50-year member of the Boy Scouts of America, Order of the Arrow and was the troop leader for Troop 26 in Naperville, Illinois as well as Quartermaster of the Sea Scouts. Ed was also a life member of the Masonic Lodge in Villa Park and was a 32nd degree Mason. A passionate canoe racer, Ed participated in canoe marathons across the United States as well as captained the American dragon boat team when they raced in Hong Kong. He loved fishing, Dixieland music, voyageur reenactments, and expressed interest in politics. He also obtained his CPCU designation for insurance underwriting. Upon retiring from his position as vice president of EMC Insurance Company’s Chicago Branch, Ed and Carole opened Prairie Rivers Bed and Breakfast in Ottawa, Illinois where they enjoyed time with guests, friends and family.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Paul Mayer.

He is survived by his wife Carole Mayer; three children, Mark (Carla) Mayer of Naperville, Kevin Mayer of Aspen, Colorado, and Mary-Beth (Bill) Pfaff of Morris; eight grandchildren, Justin Mayer, Ryan Garab, Rebekah (John) Pappas, Rachel (Mark) Gerlach, Madeleine Pfaff, Anna Pfaff, Valerie Pfaff, and Sophie Pfaff; and three great-grandchildren, CJ Mayer, Rylin Pappas and Jonah Pappas.

Visitation will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 200 East Jackson Street in Morris on Saturday, October 3, 2015 from 9:30 a.m. until time of funeral service 11:00 a.m. Reverend Dr. Roy Backus will officiate. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services and a private family inurnment will be in Naperville Cemetery.

Preferred memorials in lieu of flowers may be made as gifts in Edward's memory to First Presbyterian Church of Morris.

Family and friends may sign the guest book, share photographs or visit the memorial page by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Morris. (815-942-2500)