John Henry Mayer

John H. "Jay" Mayer John "Jay" Mayer, age 76 years of Port Washington, lost his courageous battle with cancer Wednesday, July 11, 2012, with his loving family at his side. He was born April 4, 1936 in Milwaukee, son of the late Henry and Elizabeth Viola Mayer. Jay was a 1954 graduate of Port Washington High School. Jay proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. Upon his return, he went to work with his father in the family business J & H Heating where he attained his sheet metal apprenticeship, succeeded his father as president and remained active as CEO until his death. He married Diana Zinke on May 10, 1958 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Port Washington, and was a lifelong member of St. Peter Alcantara Catholic Church. Always active in community affairs, Jay was a former Boy Scout leader, Kiwanis Club member, Windjammers Drum & Bugle Corps volunteer, past commander, current member and avid cribbage player of Van Ells-Schanen American Legion Post 82 . He was one of the original organizers of the Disabled Veterans Fish Outing, and most recently was involved with the construction of Possibility Playground. For the past ten years, Jay enjoyed puttering and laughing with ...[more]

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ily and friends at his lake home in Random Lake. He was known for his generous heart, quick wit, and storytelling. He is survived by his wife of 54 years Diana, four children Debbie (Rick) Jackson of Lemont, IL, Jeff (Sue) Mayer of Grafton, Linda (Randy) Buser of Port Washington and Julie (Faron) Daugs of Mundelein, IL, seven grandchildren Katie (fiancé David Novak) Jackson, Ben, Danielle, and Sam Mayer, Sara and Brooke Buser and Eli Daugs, his brother James "Smiley" Mayer and sister Barbara (Dale) Russell both of AZ, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 17, 7 PM at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Port Washington with Father Patrick Wendt presiding. Entombment with full military honors will be Wednesday, 10 AM at St. Mary's Cemetery, Port Washington. Visitation will be at the Eernisse Funeral Home, 1600 W. Grand Ave., Port Washington Tuesday from 3:30 - 6:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Legion or Possibility Playground appreciated.