The funeral Mass for Francis "Duke" Mayer, 67, Richardton, is at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 29, 2007, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Richardton, with the Rev. Boniface Muggli celebrating.
Burial is in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Richardton.
Visitation is from 1-3 p.m. today, June 28, 2007, at Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson, and continues from 4-9 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Richardton with a rosary and vigil service taking place at 8 p.m.
Duke passed away Tuesday, June 26, 2007, at his home near Richardton.
Francis A. "Duke" Mayer was born Oct. 28, 1939, in Hettinger County to Albert J. and Ann K. (Kelsch) Mayer. Duke grew up in Richardton, and attended St. Mary's Grade School continuing through high school at Assumption Abbey.
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After graduation in 1957, Duke served in the Navy before retuning to Richardton, where he began working for Klein Plumbing and Heating. He later worked at various jobs through out the area which included, working for the city of Richardton, selling wholesale and retail foods for Cloverdale Foods, assisting in a CPA office, mechanic at Dvorak Motors, Forester Body Shop, operating his own dairy service, Duke's Dairy, and most recently as a purchasing agent for Richardton Manufacturing.
Along the way, Duke met and married Jane Schatz on July 25, 1964, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Richardton. The couple made their home in Richardton for the next 40 plus years, and it was here that they raised their family of seven children.
Duke loved spending time with his family, especially the grandchildren and his "little buddy." He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching and listening to the RHS Raiders games. However Duke's enjoyment of athletics stretched from the Green Bay Packers, of which he owns stock in the team, to the L.A. Dodgers and Lakers. Duke also enjoyed fishing and camping in the outdoors.
He was always fond of his time tending to the livestock, working in his trees and making sausage. Duke also liked playing pinochle, bowling and spending time with his favorite dog, Abby.
Music played a large role in Duke's life. He started a local band and always enjoyed listening to classical music. One of his favorite pastimes was looking through pictures and watching movies.
He was a Richardton city commissioner, a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Elks Club, American Legion, RHS Raiders Booster Club, Lions Club and Saddle Club.
Duke is survived by his wife, Jane; four sons, Corey A. (fiancé Jan) Mayer, Fargo, Michael F. Mayer, Elgin, Jason A. (Dawn) Mayer, Bismarck, and Eric P. Mayer, Bismarck; three daughters, Carmela J. (fiancée Aric) Mayer, Bismarck, Paula N. (Jason) Penny, Dickinson, and Miranda M. Mayer, Bismarck; two grandchildren, Dawson and Ryleigh Penny; and a sister, Elaine Depee, Columbia Falls, Mont.
He is preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother, Ron, a brother, James Mayer; and three sisters, Marlene Steiner, Donna Wanner and Lorelei Rollins.
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Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.stevensonfuneralhome.com .
(Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson)
