Carl Mayer

Carl was born in 1933 in Lake Linden, Michigan, to Carl and Cliff (Varley) Mayer. After graduating from Lake Linden­Hubbell High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served four years in the U.S. and Germany and was honorably discharged with the rank of Master Sergeant.

Taking advantage of the G.I. Bill, Carl attended college, spending one year at Suomi College in Hancock and completing his degree at Northern Michigan University. Following graduation, he began what would be his first and only professional career with Marquette Area Public Schools. He started teaching junior high and concluded his 33-year career at the senior high school. Carl retired in 1992 and often said how fortunate he was to have loved teaching-especially teaching art, which he considered a true honor.

Art was a lifelong passion for Carl, particularly watercolor paintings of his beloved trees. In later years, he was fondly referred to as “the Willie Nelson of the watercolor world,” as both shared an old soul devoted to their art.

Carl was also well known as “Sarge” to fast-pitch softball players at Hurley Field in south Marquette. He loved the game and especially enjoyed striking out hitters. He pitched for many talented teams and cherished every minute of it.

In retirement, Carl taught painting classes at his studio and developed a successful career creating hand-painted signs-work he took great pride in.

We were incredibly lucky to have his company for 92 years. Keep painting and pitching, Sarge. You will be missed forever.

Carl is survived by his wife, Patricia; daughters Connie (Phil) Joffee and Cathy (Nick) Dennis; grandchildren Janey (Aaron) Joffee, Joel (Courtney) Joffee, Shannon (Bryan) Dennis, and Christopher (Liz) Dennis; and seven great-grandchildren, Luella, Harrison, Liberty, Sadie, Weston, Jameson, and Addison.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Carl’s name to Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice, 914 W. Baraga Ave., Marquette, MI 49855, or to UPAWS, 815 M-553, Gwinn, MI 49841.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting Carl’s family. Memories and condolences may be shared at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.