Wesley Maurer

Wesley Clyde Maurer, 95, went home to be with his Lord on Thursday, June 4, 2015. He died peacefully at Traditions of Frederic comforted by his family. Wes was born on May 12, 1920 in Superior and he grew up in the Milwaukee and Lake Nebagamon areas. Wes graduated from Drummond High School and continued his lifelong love of learning at Milwaukee State Teachers’ College and the University of Minnesota, earning his Master of Arts. World War II and the Korean conflict put Wes in the cockpits of Marine amphibious planes in the Pacific. A commissioned officer, Major Maurer retired from the reserves in 1960. Although wars interrupted his education, they did not interrupt the formation of family. Wes married his beloved Norma Alice (Carlson) Maurer and they made their home in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. Wes taught elementary school for 31 years and upon his retirement in 1980, Wes and Norma moved to Webster, Norma’s hometown, to enjoy their retirement years. Wes briefly returned to teaching when he was needed at the Webster Elementary School. Never idle in retirement, Wes tended a large garden, jogged and cross-country skied, and was an active member of the Webster Baptist Church, leading worship, study and Awana. Wes was also devoted to the missions of JAARS, Wycliffe, and the Gideons. Wes was an insatiable reader and there was always a variety of books at his chairside. Wes is predeceased by his parents August and Esma (Stout) Maurer, one sister and four brothers. Surviving are his wife, Norma, and four sons, Gregory, David (Pamela), Steven (Joanne), and Clayton (Joyce); 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Norma remembers meeting and building a life with Wes: In 1942, while Norma was living in Minneapolis, Wes came with a fellow naval cadet to a bowling alley on Lake Street where a blonde gal flirted with him as he watched her bowl with her sister, Bess. Norma was a lousy bowler, but Wes asked her for a date. She borrowed low-heeled shoes to go out with him, and that was the beginning of their romance. They had a couple of dates before Wes left for Corpus Christi for training. In June 1943, Wes returned to Minneapolis on his way to Camp Kearny marine base in California. At the time, Norma was working the 3rd shift at Minneapolis Honeywell, so with hair pins sticking out of her hair, Wes walked into the living room and !!! she knew he was the “man” for her. They took the train up to Superior where his parents – from Lake Nebagamon – picked them up. They spent a week at his parents’ home, where Wes asked, “When are we getting married?” Since Wes was living in the barracks, an apartment would be necessary and the soonest that could happen was September. Norma and Wes were married September 25, 1943 in San Diego, California. During more than 71 years of marriage, they shared many milestones, including raising four healthy, noisy boys. Wes was discharged from the Marines in April, 1945, and became a teacher, first in Superior and then in Robbinsdale, after going back for more education. He made his second greatest choice; He came to Christ in 1949. Wes said, ”How we lived day by day is directly related to how others remember us when we die.” Wes was a kind, gentle, and steadfast man who loved his family and the life he built through the Lord. Wes will be well-remembered by all who know him. The family wishes to thank Traditions of Frederic and St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care of Wes in his final days. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to The Gideons International (www.gideons.org) or Wycliffe (www.wycliffe.net). Funeral Services for Wes will be held Thursday, June 11, 2015 at First Baptist Church in Webster, Wisconsin. Visitation will be 10-11am services will start at 11am with Pastor Tim Quinn officiating. Burial will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery in Webster, Wisconsin. Pallbearers are Jonathan Mosher, Wayne Nut, Kevin Jansen, Orlin Anderson, Wayne Anderson and John Fink. Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home Webster, Wisconsin.