Kenneth (Ken) Earl Mayer, beloved husband, father, "Grandpappy", son, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away February 16, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. He was born March 19, 1955 in Beloit, Wisconsin to Earl Stanley and Doris June (Lyberg) Mayer. He married Esther May Simanton on July 3, 1983 in Alberta, Canada.

Ken's character qualities included: kindness, helpfulness, generosity, friendliness, and perseverance. He visited those who were sick, remembered birthdays and anniversaries, and valued family get-togethers. He enjoyed memorializing these special moments in photos and videos. He still owned his first car, a red 1963 Chevy Impala Super Sport. Music was another interest of Ken's. He sang in a local religious group, Vesper Voices, for several years, and he enjoyed listening to many groups including The Carpenters. He was an enthusiastic Green Bay Packer fan.

Ken was devoted to his family. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Esther, of over 40 years; son Stephen (Kathlyn); daughter Alissa (Owen) Hansen; grandson Keegan Earl Hansen; sisters Linda (Gary) Hartman and Kathy Skilton; sisters-in-law Diane Mayer and Irene (Stan) Hixson; and brothers-in-law Gordon (Linda) Simanton and Keith (Leslie) Simanton; aunts Beth Mercer, Marge McNeilus, and Maureen Boyd; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Doris Mayer, brother Jeff Mayer, brother-in-law Gary Skilton, sister-in-law Patricia Simanton, nephews Michael Hixson and Bradley Skilton, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He graduated high school from Wisconsin Academy (Columbus, WI) in 1974, and Blackhawk Technical College (Janesville, WI) in 1976 with an associate degree in Electronic Technology. He worked at General Webb Dynamics in Rockford for eight months and then for 39 years in the test lab at Micro Switch/Honeywell in Freeport.

Ken was generous with his time and talents as a lifelong committed Christian. He was an integral member of the Freeport Seventh-day Adventist Church. He served as teacher, deacon, and head elder for many years. He died with a strong faith in God, looking forward to Jesus Christ's soon return and the coming resurrection.

All are welcome to join the family on Sunday, February 25, 2024 with a visitation starting at 12:00 PM followed by the funeral at 2:00 PM at Schwarz Park Blvd Chapel, 608 S. Park Blvd, Freeport, IL, with Pastor Dean Waterman officiating. Following the funeral, a luncheon and memory sharing time will be held at the Freeport Seventh-day Adventist Church. The burial will be Monday, February 26, 2024 at Gund Cemetery.

A memorial has been established in his name.

The family would like to share their appreciation to the doctors, nurses, and staff of DaVita Driftwood Dialysis and FHN, along with Freeport's Fire Department and Ambulance service.

Joy of Troy Seventh-day Adventist Church is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Ken Mayer Memorial Funeral Service
Time: Feb 25, 2024 02:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87615999626

Meeting ID: 876 1599 9626
Passcode: 638452
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