Eureka - Funeral service for Earl W. Maier Sr., 71, of Eureka will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 31, 2006, at Zion Lutheran Church at Eureka. The Rev. Lloyd Miller will officiate. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service. He died Aug. 28, 2006, at Avera Eureka Health Care Center. Earl W. Maier, Sr., son of Jacob A. and Rose (Oswald) Maier was born May 30, 1935, four miles north of Eureka in McPherson County, S.D. He grew up southeast of Eureka on the family homestead. He attended country school and worked on the family farm, eventually taking over the operation. He was united in marriage to Marcella Ehresmann on Oct. 27, 1957, in Eureka Reformed Church. In 1981, the family moved into Eureka. He rented his land to others and worked for area farmers. In 1995, he retired due to his health. He entered Avera Eureka Health Care Center in April 2002. Earl was always ready to help his grandchildren at any time. Farming and John Deere were a true love of his. He enjoyed hunting, visiting and card playing. He was very talented in music and could play the accordion, organ and drums. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Sportsman Club and was a drummer for 44 years in many polka and waltz bands. Survivors include his wife of Eureka; two sons: Sidney (Tonya) Maier of Eureka and Earl W. Maier Jr. of Aberdeen; two daughters: Beverly (Ronald) Bornemann of Fargo and Cynthia Huber of Wishek, N.D.; four sisters: Jane (Rodney) Fischer and Marcella (Ken) Kusler, both of Aberdeen, Margie (Dennis) Walker of Long Lake, S.D., and Beatrice (Charlie) Rush of Denver, Colo.; 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. His parents preceded him in death. Honorary casketbearers will be the staff of Avera Eureka Health Care Center. Casketbearers will be Shawn Wanner, Troy Wanner, Scott Kusler, Jay Kusler, Bruce Fischer and Jonathan Ristau. Special music by Margie and Dennis Walker, Valerie Bornemann and Whittney Huber and his grandchildren will sing "Jesus Loves Me." Carlsen Funeral Home of Eureka have been entrusted with arrangements.
Published in the Aberdeen News on 8/31/2006.