Our dearly beloved father, Richard O. Maurer, age 92, passed away on October 15th, 2024 at the SSM Health Hospice Home following a brief illness. He was born in Monroe, WI on April 22, 1932 to Robert and Elizabeth (Schneider) Maurer and shared his childhood with siblings, Robert and Mary. Richard was a talented athlete and competed in various sporting events while attending Monroe High School and succeeded in holding the shot put record for several years following his graduation in 1951. Richard served in the Wisconsin National Guard having entered the local unit at the young age of only seventeen. He then went on to become a licensed barber following his attendance at the Eau Claire Barber Academy in 1952.
Richard and Dolores Meyer were married at St. Victor’s Parsonage on May 3, 1952. Richard and his wife remained devoted, lifetime members of St. Victor’s Catholic Church. Richard and Dolores had five children who were all born and raised in Monroe. Richard worked alongside his father-in-law, Ernest Meyer, at their barber shop located in downtown Monroe for many years. He was later employed by St. Clare Hospital in a laundry management position and then moved the barber shop to his residence which enabled him to continue barbering on a part-time basis.
Following the death of his wife in 1995, Richard retired and moved to rural Monroe with his daughter Laura (Richard Steiner) where he was able to enjoy the peaceful woodlands, wildlife and country-style living. Retirement enabled him to return once again to some of his favorite pastimes such as archery, hunting, fishing, wood-working and golfing. He enjoyed cutting wood, watching military and western movies, reading Jack Higgins mystery books, playing euchre and reviewing old family photos. Dad even volunteered to help with our farm chores such as occasionally feeding calves or raking and unloading hay.
Family was the highlight of Richard’s life and he is now survived by his children: Dawn Nelson of Argyle, Laura (Richard) Steiner of Monroe, Richard (Carmen) Maurer of Brookfield WI, Joseph (Ranette) Maurer of Oregon WI and Jude (Michelle) Maurer of Janesville WI along with 51 grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Dolores, two grandchildren Jason and Danielle Beutel, his parents Robert & Elizabeth, a brother Robert Maurer and a sister Mary Buol along with in-laws, Ernest & Ella Meyer, Ernest Jr. & Agnes Meyer, Neelian Nelson Jr. and Peter Buol.
Dear Dad,
Your time with us has truly been a blessing and you have now left us with many beautiful memories – memories spanning from childhood to adulthood and know that they will be cherished forever. We thank you for your unconditional and unchanging love for us and admire your sincere devotion to God and family. We thank you for living a life of self-sacrifice, for your continual perseverance, support and guidance through all the “ups & downs” and for sharing your wisdom, knowledge and understanding of life itself. May we be blessed to follow in your footsteps and may our family be reunited in God’s Kingdom some day. Love you so much Dad!
A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, October 21, 2024, at 12:00 p.m., at St. Clare of Assisi Parish at St. Victor Catholic Church, with Father Chahm Gahng officiating. Inurnment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Monroe. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the church prior to the memorial mass. The NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, Monroe, is assisting the family. Condolences may be shared at www.newcomerfuneralhome.net.
