Johnnie "John" Mayer, 95, of Pukwana passed away on September 19, 2020 at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD.

Due to COVID19 and John's request, there will be private family services only.

Graveside services with interment of the ashes will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to a favorite charity of your choosing in John's name.

Johnnie (John) Carl Mayer was born August 29, 1925 on the family farmstead along Crow Creek in Buffalo County, to John F and Marie (Krull) Mayer. He was born on his 6 year old sister Madeline's birthday.

John attended a county school, walking several miles, uphill both ways, as he would tell it. He attended Gann Valley High School. At age 15, he worked as a ranch hand in Cody, WY; helped with building projects at the Army Black Hills Ordnance Depot, Igloo, SD and worked at the Red Owl Grocery in Chamberlain with/for his brother in law, Ray Steckelberg. He also did a little rodeoing as a bronc rider over the years.

As World War II was in full force, he enlisted in the US Navy as a SeaBee, at the age of 17. Both of his brothers were already in the Navy. John spent his enlistment in the South Pacific at New Caledonia. He told of his ship being accidently rammed by another in their fleet on their way there. Two men were lost and the ship had to be repaired. Because of this delay, his ship had to sail unaccompanied without the protection of the fleet. Very frightening for all those young sailors. He said as a result of the SeaBees, he learned the "Can Do Attitude" – can do the difficult – the impossible takes a bit longer. He also learned carpentry 101 – "If it's too long, cut it, if it's too short, nail it in. – In other words think outside the box." From his WWII experience and life on the farm, he learned the basic values of patriotism, respect for people, property, the flag, and the law. He learned to appreciate what we have and compassion for the less fortunate. Later in life he and mom started attending the yearly SeaBee Reunions in various states. How he enjoyed meetings with his old buddies from all those years ago.

John married the love of his life and life partner, Lorraine Speck on May 17, 1946. They just celebrated 74 years of marriage. They moved on the family farm/ranch being the 3 ^rd generation to live there. They literally started with nothing but hopes and dreams and built their place into a wonderful home for 5 children to grow. John lived his entire life on that farmstead. A son and grandson's continue the legacy with another son and grandson farming nearby. Farming/ranching is in their blood.

John and Lorraine had 4 children and raised a nephew as their own after his mother passed. We were all thrilled to have another brother. When grandchildren arrived, John was in his element. He loved being a grandpa and great grandpa.

John served on the township board, school board, and was a Buffalo County commissioner, worked many years on the county committee at the ASCS office in Chamberlain, he was a Mason, a life time member of the American Legion and the VFW.

John and Lorraine took up square dancing and thoroughly enjoyed going to various dances around the state with their friends. They traveled extensively going to 48 states, Mexico, Canada and a cruise to the Bahamas.

John enjoyed playing poker with his friends. John was an avid gun collector collecting old Winchesters. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was an excellent horseman and had many horses over the years, his favorite was Smoky – a black gelding that could run like the wind. John took his last horse ride on his 90 ^th birthday and was so proud of that ride.

He is survived by his wife Lorraine- on the family farm; his children, Sandra (Clayton) Anderson, Boise, ID; Glenn (DeeDee) Mayer, Chamberlain, SD; Lynn (Anne) Mayer, Pukwana, SD; Debra Mayer, Chamberlain, SD; Darwin (Laurie) Thompson, Denver, CO. His siblings, Madeline Steckelberg, Chamberlain SD; and Alice (Ron) Scranton, Rapid City, SD. Eleven grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 9 step great grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Clarence and Raymond and sister Donna Bridge and their spouses.