Carl’s obituary is below the service and memorial contribution information.

MEMORIAL GATHERING AND MASS

Please join Carl’s family in celebrating a life well-lived

Friday, June 12, 2026
at
Three Holy Women Parish – Holy Rosary Church
2011 N. Oakland Avenue – Milwaukee

Memorial Gathering: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Memorial Mass: 11:30 AM

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to one of the following organizations:

St. Vincent de Paul Society of Milwaukee County;  to donate online, click on the following:
St. Vincent De Paul Society of Milwaukee | Fighting Hunger & Poverty

St. Vincent de Paul Society of Ozaukee County;  to donate online, click on the following:
St Vincent de Paul of Ozaukee County: Thrift Store

St. Joseph’s Indian School;  to donate online, click on the following:
St. Joseph’s Indian School

Boys Town;  to donate online, click on the following:
Donate to Kids In Need: We Don’t Give Up On Kids

Capuchin Community Services;  to donate online, click on the following:
Capuchin Community Services

Carl J. Mayer

Carl J. Mayer returned to his heavenly family, surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday, April 8th – just around the time he would have been waking for the day. In many ways, it felt as though he was simply waking into the loving arms of those who went before him.

Carl was born in the spring of 1939 to Genevieve and Arthur on the north side of Milwaukee, WI, the sixth of seven children. Like his brothers and sisters, he attended St. Elizabeth’s primary school, where he met lifelong friends, briefly crossed paths with his future wife, Arlene, and began his lifelong journey of Catholic faith and devotion. He later attended Messmer High School, where algebra was certainly not his favorite subject. During those years, he continued building friendships, spent as much time as he could at the Sweet Shop, and developed an affinity for shiny Buicks.

After graduation, Carl went to work managing offices and crunching numbers for dairy packaging companies. If you ever had the pleasure of dining out with him, you likely heard all about the butter packages on the table. He was proud of the work he did—and he truly loved butter. His toast at breakfast was something to behold.

Carl also joined the Army Reserves, serving as a payroll specialist. As always, he formed lasting friendships that would last a lifetime. The one thing he didn’t care for was the southern heat and humidity – but when the payroll was finished early, air conditioning was especially appreciated.
Continuing his work in office management and furthering his education through classes at MATC and MSOE, Carl enjoyed being a bachelor. He loved to go to Wisconsin’s Northwoods with his family and his friends. It was such a special place for him where he enjoyed his summers waterskiing with his boat and spending time with the people that meant the most to him. This was all until 1968 when Carl, along with his parents and youngest brother Larry, purchased land and built a home in Grafton, where his boat became the downpayment for his new residence.

After living in his new home for a few years later, he (re)met Arlene while working at Len E. Iverson and the two were married in 1973. They decided that they needed their own space and moved to a new condominium in Northridge Lakes where they became pregnant with their 1st child and realized the condo life was not for the two of them. With that, Carl and Arlene moved back to the home Carl built several years earlier and began building their life together in Grafton, where they raised their two children. Carl continued to proudly care for and maintain the home with near perfection with pride throughout his life.

Carl enjoyed family vacations back to his loved Wisconsin Northwoods in Three Lakes, WI and road trips out west to take in the beauty of the Badlands and Yellowstone National Park. He played basketball with his kids and had an excellent hook shot, which he liked to attribute to his nose and Lew Alcindor. He loved watching and discussing sports and knew statistics that could impress anyone. Most of all, he loved being a Dad and a grandfather.
Carl described himself as “fastidious,” and those who knew him would agree there was no better word. He loved a clean, shiny car and took pride in a yard with lush green grass, thriving trees, and flowers in season. Organization and tidiness brought him joy. Later in life, especially during Arlene’s illness and after her passing, Carl became an avid cook. He read recipes carefully, seeking tips from his children, sharing what he made with family and neighbors— all before staying up until 2 a.m. cleaning everything.

Carl loved to laugh, and his laugh was infectious. One of his favorite shows was Seinfeld. Often, something in conversation would remind him of a scene, and he would start laughing before he could even tell the story. On a trip to Colorado, he rewatched Spaceballs with his children, and their giggles echoed throughout the Denver area.

Carl was deeply devoted to his faith and to serving his community. He participated in the meal program at St. Ben’s and was an active member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. He especially valued the time spent with his fellow Vincentians and the opportunity to help people from all walks of life. He instilled this spirit of service and compassion in his children.

Carl is survived by his beloved children and their spouses, Anthony (Krystal) and Carlene (Keith); his grandchildren, Zoianna and Izaiah; sisters-in-law Pat and Ceil; brothers-in-law Don, Don, and Mike; his best friend Tom; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Arlene; his parents; his brothers and sisters; and many dear friends. Larry and Tom were most certainly waiting to greet him at the gates—and they likely haven’t stopped talking since.

Carl’s services will be held on Friday, June 12th at Three Holy Women – Holy Rosary Catholic Church, located at 2011 N. Oakland Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., followed immediately by Mass. The family invites all who knew him to attend and celebrate a life well lived.

The family would like to thank the extraordinarily caring and compassionate team at St. Luke’s Neuro ICU for their incredible care and comfort in guiding Carl to his life in Christ.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carl’s memory to the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Milwaukee or Ozaukee Counties, St. Joseph’s Indian School, Boys Town or Capuchin Community Services.

We love you so much, Papa.

 

Note: This obituary is the property of Heritage Funeral Homes and is published here with permission from the family. If you are viewing it on any website other than www.heritagefuneral.com, please be aware it has been copied without consent and may not reflect the most accurate or complete information.

 

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