Wilbert E. “Ed” Mayer, 79, Dickinson, died Tuesday, August 23, 2011 at his home. Ed’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, August 27, 2011 at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, Richardton, Fr. Boniface Muggli, OSB as the celebrant. Visitation will be on Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service and will continue on Saturday one hour prior to services at the church. There will be a rosary & vigil at 7 p.m., Friday at Ladbury Funeral Service.

Wilbert E. Mayer was born February 18, 1932 in Hettinger County, the son of Nick and Helen “Lena” (Mayer) Mayer, Jr. He grew up on the family farm north of Mott and attended country school in rural Hettinger County through the 8th grade.

He started farming with his dad until 1958 when he entered the United States Army. He served honorably until his discharge in 1960, when he returned home to start farming on his own. Ed married Julia Koppinger on July 13, 1964. They made their home on his parents farm north of Mott until 1997, at which time they moved to Dickinson. In the 37 years living on the farm, he operated a small farm and ranch operation. In 1977 he supplemented the farming business by driving school bus for the Mott School District and several years for the Richardton School District. After moving to Dickinson he continued to work for area farmers and was a substitute bus driver for the Dickinson School District for a number of years.

Ed was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus in Lefor, and of the Eagles Club for many years. He loved to attend area auction sales through out his whole life, and enjoyed visiting with neighbors, friends and any one he came in contact with. He had a special attachment to all animals and loved all the family pets.

Ed is survived by his wife, Julia; their three children, Joan Mayer, Dickinson, Loren (Shelly) Mayer, Minot, and Amy (Josh) Tysver, Dickinson; one brother, Harvey (Sherran) Mayer, Mott; one sister, Violet (Alfred) Kaisershot, Normal, Ill.; three grandchildren, Nick Mayer, Makayla Tysver and Levi Tysver; four step-grandchildren, Steven Zarr, Samantha Zarr, Hunter Zacher, and Shelly Ibach; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and one sister and brother-in-law, Vivian and Charles Schorsch.