In Memory - Tot Mayer

Tot Mayer was my Rotary sponsor and he was a great friend of my father.   I am so lucky to have know both him and Caroline. 

 

 

Below is his obituary from the Missoulian.  

 

MILWAUKIE, OREGON – On Monday, Feb. 6, 2017, LTC (Ret) Thaddeus (Tot) Mayer went to the arms of his Lord for his eternal rest.  Tot was raised in the Bitterroot Valley and entered military service in December of 1949. He had a long and distinguished career serving in both the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army. He advanced from the rank of Private to retire as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1972, serving in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. His last duty station was here in Missoula at the University of Montana, Department of Military Science.  His nickname Tot, which stands for "Time on Target," was proudly earned from his service as a field artillery officer.

After leaving the service, Tot was a Missoula County deputy sheriff. During retirement he served on the Montana Board of Veterans Affairs and several Veteran projects including the Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Missoula. He was also a member of the Missoula Rotary  Club serving as Secretary for many years and being awarded a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church for over 35 years where he held numerous offices and volunteered countless hours maintaining the grounds. Tot is survived by his sons James (Karen) Mayer of Texas, David (Debra) Mayer of Oregon, daughters; Iris (Bill) Deadwyler of Virginia, Co (Dale) Rogan of Washington, Tonia (Sterritt) Fuller of Colorado and Caroline (Dave) Hill of Oregon, 18 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife of more than 50 years, Caroline, daughter Johanna (Bob) Schmid of Missoula and two infant daughters, Elisabeth and Tina.

Tot’s memorial service is Friday, March 24, at 10 a.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church with a light luncheon to follow. Interment service will be at 3 p.m. at the Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery. Tot would like to be remembered as a Christian, husband, father, grandfather and patriot. To our family he was all that and so much more. Rest in Peace Pops. Until we see you again in our heavenly home your presence is greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Montana State Veterans Cemetery: State Veterans Cemetery, P.O. Box 5715, Helena, MT  59604.