Mayer, Spenser Miles

Spenser Miles Mayer, 23, entered the gates of Heaven Monday, Aug. 27, 2012, at his home in Cedar Rapids. Friends and family are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 4, at Our Lady's Immaculate Heart Church, 510 E. First St., Ankeny, with burial to follow at Ankeny Memorial Gardens. Celebration of Life will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 3, with a prayer service at 7 p.m., at Ankeny Funeral Home, 1510 W. First St., Ankeny.

Spenser was born Dec. 17, 1988, to Chris and Misty Mayer in Des Moines, Iowa. Spenser lived in Lansing, Mich., and Rochester, Minn., with his family before they moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he lived for nine years. He graduated from Linn-Mar High School, Marion, in 2007. Spenser was employed at Sports Licensed Division, Adidas, as a screen printer for five years.

Spenser had a zeal for life and took nothing for granted. He adored his siblings and was a wonderful role model. Spenser was genuinely compassionate and willing to help anyone and give of himself to the point of exhaustion. Spenser conquered many obstacles during his short life here on earth. His parents are so very proud of all he has accomplished and given back to the community.

His cats, Smokie and Tinkerbell, will miss his tender care.

Left to cherish his memory are his parents, Chris and Misty Mayer of Ankeny; his siblings, Hannah Rosemary, William Joseph, James Matthias and John Robert Mayer; his grandparents, Mary Grace Mayer of Iowa City and Joseph and Rose Casteel of Ankeny; great-grandmother, Mary Casteel of Phoenix, Ariz.; beloved aunts and uncles, Jacque (Stan) Herr, Robins, Jennifer (Curt) Bell, Keota, Jerilyn (John) Klein, Keota, Janelle (Bill) Kamerling, Mount Vernon, Janie (Matt) Hahn, Keota, Steve (Sabrina) Casteel, Urbandale, Nativity (Xavier) Vallejo, Waukee, Keegan Casteel, Ankeny, and Moriah Casteel, Cedar Falls; and 22 cousins he loved so very much and will guide with his angel wings from above.

He will be greeted at Heaven's gates by his grandfather, William James Mayer; aunts and uncles, John Harry Mayer, Jill Mayer, James Mayer and Robert Joseph Casteel; and cousin, Elijah Hahn.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Spenser's family in care of Ankeny Funeral Home, 1510 W. First St., Ankeny, IA 50023.

Online condolences may be expressed at

Published Aug. 30, 2012 in The Gazette