Mayer, Roger Lee

Roger Lee Mayer, 77, of Robins, Iowa, died Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013 at Mercy Medical Center, surrounded by his family. Services will be held at Hope United Church of Christ in Hiawatha, Iowa, at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6. The family will greet visitors one hour before the service. Private family burial will take place at White Oak Cemetery in Washington, Iowa.

Roger was born in Washington County, Iowa, on Nov. 21, 1935, to Homer and Cecille Mayer. He attended school in Washington County and upon graduation from high school, proudly served four years in the U.S. Navy. While stationed in Millington, Tenn., he met, fell in love and married Wanda J. Tipps. Upon his discharge from the Navy, Roger and Wanda moved to Hiawatha and Roger began a 22 year career at Rockwell Collins. He retired in 1990. He was a member of Masonic Lodge 25 and IBEW Local #1362.

Roger was a man of many gifts and talents. He could fix anything mechanical. He loved restoring tractors and could often be found “Dumpster diving” for broken down wooden furniture which he would painstakingly restore to its original beauty. He always had a large garden that was meticulously maintained. His friends, family and neighbors would often find fresh produce left anonymously on their doorstep. His garage was the headquarters for daily meetings with agendas that ranged from politics to crop conditions, from pet care to vehicle maintenance and gas prices to beef prices. He was president of menu planning and chief chef for the weekly breakfast and lunch buffets held in his garage.

Roger was a role model for hard work. In addition to working at Rockwell Collins, he also built homes in Hiawatha, tilled gardens for many people, was a volunteer firefighter, owned his own plane and had a private pilot's license. He was active in his church. He spearheaded the campaign to build an addition onto the church along with helping to design, build and install the stained glass window. He spent many hours over the years mowing and maintaining the church grounds.

Above all else, Roger loved and treasured his family.

Roger is survived by his wife, Wanda; daughter, Terri (Christopher) May of Cedar Rapids; and sons, David (Jennifer) Mayer of Vinton and Daniel Mayer of Cardiff, Calif.

Also surviving are nine grandchildren, Kevin May, Alisha (Christopher) Dunn, Jessica May, Andrew May, Adam (Yukari) Mayer, Logan Mayer, Benjamin Mayer, Madelynn Mayer and Gavyn Mayer; three great-grandchildren, Kalina, Alexander and Declan; his sister, Marlene (Kenneth) Havel of Grundy Center; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and four brothers, Robert, Keith, Theodore and Lester.

He will be missed tremendously but we rejoice in the knowledge that he is now at peace in God's Kingdom.

In keeping with his wishes, please consider a memorial gift to Camp Courageous or Mercy Hospice, in lieu of flowers.

Online condolences can be sent to the family at .

Published in The Gazette Nov. 5, 2013.