Michael "Mike" Maurer

Michael George Maurer, age 75, of Menahga, Minnesota died on Friday, March 22, 2024 at his home with his loving family by his side.

Mike was born on June 23, 1948, to Geroge and Alice (Alto) Maurer in Park Rapids, Minnesota. He attended Menahga Public School and graduated with the class of 1966. He then attended Bemidji State University, graduating with a degree in education. He taught High School English, Journalism, and was the yearbook advisor at Park Rapids High School beginning in 1972 until retiring in 2006. After retiring, he continued as a substitute teacher for the Park Rapids and Menahga School Districts for ten more years.

Mike’s first marriage to Jane Grover was blessed with three children: Katie, Jamie, and Carrie. He married Kathy (Brossard) Mathison on October 3, 1992, and Mike was blessed with the addition of her son, Chad.

Mike was a gifted and talented man. He began playing guitar back in high school with “The Images” and continued playing in other local bands for well over 40 years. His love of The Beatles, and music through the years has been a gift that he has passed on to all of us that love him!

In the summers when Mike wasn’t in school, he was building houses and doing carpentry work around the area with his coworker and friend of many years, Jim Allen. He also traveled around the state selling insurance for Epic.

Mike was the President and Secretary of the Eagles Club in Park Rapids and was a member of the Menahga Lions Club for 8 years. He enjoyed the outdoors and all that nature offered. He loved to fish and hunt small game. When he was a young boy, Mike even taught himself how to do taxidermy. He never wanted to stop learning. Just a few years back he bought himself a textbook to learn algebra. He loved to feed and watch his birds and squirrels out on his deck, spending time in his shop creating things, and working on projects. He also loved to cook. His biggest enjoyment, however, was his grandkids whom he loved so much and was so proud of.

Preceding Mike in death are his parents; and his infant twin brother, Jerry.

Mike will be lovingly remembered by his wife Kathy; children: Katie (Dave) Hanson; Chad (Janelle) Mathison; Jamie (ChrisAnne Richards); and Carrie (Gabe) Ackerman; eight dearly loved grandchildren: Reese, Gavin, Jocelyn, Ella, Ollie, Alice, Adler, and Nash; sisters: Pat (Lonnie) Lapinoja; and Jan (Mike) Walsh; many other relatives and a host of friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, at the Menahga V.F.W. in Menahga, Minnesota. A light luncheon will be served. Please come and share stories and celebrate the life of Mike.

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