Gary Frederick Mauer
Gary Frederick Mauer
Gary Frederick Mauer
January 15, 1942 – November 21, 2021
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 79
Gary Frederick Mauer, 79, of Oskaloosa, Iowa went to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 21st, 2021. Gary was born January 15th, 1942, to Irven and Viola Steiger Mauer in Stacyville, Iowa.
Gary grew up and worked on his family farm. He especially enjoyed his horse, Star. He was active in 4-H showing cattle and this translated into his later life when he raised exceptional herds under his Blue-Sky Cattle Company.
Gary graduated from Little Cedar High School in 1960.
On May 28th, 1960, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Jan Hultman at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, Iowa. To this union they welcomed four children, Debbie, Mark, Jodi, and Lori.
After graduation, Gary briefly worked at Ideal Sand and Gravel in Mason City, Iowa. He began his career as a salesman with Forney Industries in 1967. He chose Mahaska County for the incorporation of his new business venture Mauer Supply Inc. Gary led his company to earning a global award for top sales of KEW high pressure cleaning equipment. He found success as a salesman but his biggest joy in business was frequenting family farm operations and growing friendships with customers. Gary did not know a stranger.
He was passionate about his love for horses and American history, particularly the West. He loved trail riding and served as the President of the Fremont Saddle Club. He found this club to be the most family oriented. He shared his deep love and knowledge of horses with everyone. The highlight of his weekend was taking his wife, children, and grandchildren on trail rides across southeast Iowa, to Iowa Falls and Yale, Iowa.
Gary took many trips to see the West with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was well versed in the history of the Native Americans and the Westward Expansion. He loved to tell of the battles at Little Big Horn and Wounded Knee. One of the greatest highlights of his life was descending the Grand Canyon by mule and lodging overnight at the base of the Canyon.
Gary loved the Lord and his Catholic faith. He was a Third-Degree member of The Knights of Columbus. He introduced people to God through his own actions and was immensely proud of his big Catholic family.
Left to remember him is his loving wife, Jan, his children Debbie Diaz (Tony), Mark Mauer (Yvonne), Jodi Chipman (Stacey), and Lori Smith (Jim). Grandchildren, Alex Lamkin (Patrick), Tori Life, Jamie Crouse, Clint Chipman, Nick Mauer (Samantha), Marco Diaz (Emily), Jake McCrea, Christina Andersen, Daniela Barry (Hunter), and Paige Smith. Great Grandchildren: Gavin, Alayna, and Kolson Lamkin, Justin and Shelby Crouse, Avery and Allie Mauer, Isaiah Andersen, and a great-grandson due in January; his mother-in-law, Lucille Hultman, and sister Marilyn Miller (Dick) of Mason City and a brother-in-law Roger Hultman (Mary) of Austin, MN.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, his second father, Richard Blazer, his father-in-law, Lawrence Hultman, and former son in law, John McCrea.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be held Saturday, November 27, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. in St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oskaloosa, with Reverend Troy Richmond officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Oskaloosa. Visitation will begin Friday, November 26, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel, a Rosary will be recited at 4:30 p.m. and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to: The Southern Iowa Fair Board specifically in support of 4-H projects.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Gary Frederick Mauer please visit the Bates Funeral Chapel Sympathy Store.
