Harley Mayer

Harley Andrew Mayer, age 100, of Pontiac, IL died Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 8:10pm at Tjardes Health Care Center at Evenglow Lodge, surrounded by three generations of his adoring family.

Harley was born on June 3, 1924 in Ironton, MO a son of Fred and Anna (Namchick) Mayer. He had one brother, Fred. After graduating from Streator High School in 1943, Harley enlisted in the Navy and served as a Seabee in South America during World War II. While home on leave, he met one Marian Hiatt, and the two exchanged countless love letters during his years of service. After the war, Harley married Marian Jean Hiatt on April 6, 1947 in Streator, IL. He used his GI bill to attend typewriter and adding machine school in Missouri. Harley worked as a typewriter and adding machine repairman for several years before beginning his career as a mail carrier in Pontiac, IL. For thirty years he delivered letters and packages all around town, always ready to greet anyone with a smile. Harley was also a faithful member of First Lutheran Church and continued to volunteer in the Pontiac community long into his retirement.

Harley’s crowning achievement was his marriage and family. For 76 wonderful years his marriage with Marian was full of tenderness, laughter, and love. Whether known as Harry and Maude, HAM and Lou, Memaw and Pepaw, or mom and dad, their love for one another was the firm foundation of a family defined by togetherness through all things and in all places, but most especially in their home on South Walnut Street, which Harley and Marian built together and where they lived for over 65 years. In his shop out back, generations of kids, grandkids, and great grandkids found the spark of their own creativity under Harley’s endlessly patient guidance. Whether building something for the home with his daughter Patti or working on a go-kart with his son Glen, fixing up something he scavenged from the curbside, or just repairing a machine that someone else was ready to throw out, Harley always had a project.

He is survived by his brother Fred in Chicago. Also surviving are his two children: Patricia LuAnn (Fred) Shirley of Pontiac, IL and Glen Alan (Cathy) Mayer of Punta Gorda, FL; four grandchildren: LeAnn (Reed) Dent, Katelyn (Clay) Pearson, Jorjann (John) Kline, and Brandon Mayer; and seven great grandchildren: Briggs, Jack, and Graham Dent, and Gage, Maci, Gus, and Hattie Pearson. Harley was preceded in death by his wife Marian, his parents, Fred and Anna Mayer, many special relatives including Russ & Ruhama Hiatt and Marilyn Mayer, all his friends, and every dear member of the Friday morning breakfast club.

His funeral will be held at 11:00am on Friday, April 4 at the First Lutheran Church, Pontiac, IL with Rev. Carl Rasmussen officiating. Visitation will be held at First Lutheran for one hour prior to the service. Immediately following the service will be a meal for all at 12:00pm at the church, followed by a graveside service at 2:00pm at Hillcrest Cemetery, Streator, IL. Memorials in Harley’s name may be made to First Lutheran Church or Tjardes Health Care Center. Calvert & Martin Funeral Home, Pontiac is handling the arrangements.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude and condolences to the staff of the Tjardes Health Center, who shared Harley’s final, precious years both with and without Marian. Your tender care and compassion for them both has made all the difference, and you hold a very special place in all our hearts.