Gary Lee Mayer

MONONA- Gary L. Mayer, age 75, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, July 27, 2011, at the Don & Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center. He was born on Sept. 6, 1935, in Green Bay, WI, the son of Ervin and Jeanette (Druckrey) Mayer. Gary married Mary Beth PeCore on June 27, 1970. After serving in the U.S. Air Force and working at the USDA in Peoria, IL, Gary earned his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He worked for Oscar Mayer Foods as a food scientist for more than 25 years. He was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church, and volunteered his time for the prayer line, Luke House, the St. Mary’s Adult Day Care, and the BeFriender Ministry. Gary loved sports and was an avid Chicago Cubs, Green Packers, and UW Badgers fan. He enjoyed gardening, music, tennis, walking, playing bridge, traveling, cooking, and most of all, spending time with his family. Gary is survived by his wife, Mary Beth; two children, Matthew (Lori) of Adell, WI, and Sara of Madison, WI; two grandchildren, Chesney and Jackson; a brother, Donald (Karen) Mayer of Menasha, WI; a sister, Kay (Tom) Mitchell of Pewaukee, WI; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Ave., at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2011, with Monsignor Michael Hippee presiding. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be at the church on Monday, Aug. 1, 2011 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and also on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare Foundation Inc. or the American Cancer Society. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at HospiceCare, Oak Park Place, St. Mary’s Hospital, and all the wonderful family and friends who shared their love and support throughout his journey. “All I ask of you is forever to remember me as loving you.” Cemetery: Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare, Inc. or the International Myeloma Foundation. will be at the church on Monday, Aug. 1, 2011 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and also on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Ave, on Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2011, with Monsignor Michael Hippee presiding.