Howard E. Mayer
Howard Edward Mayer, 87, died Sept. 11, 2024, from Alzheimer’s Dementia. Howard was born in Clinton on June 20, 1937, to Howard and Gertrude (Byam) Mayer. He was number six of nine children. Known as “Skip” by his family, he thanked his sister Betty and his love of peanut butter for the nickname. Turns out it was prophetic.
Growing up, he enjoyed climbing the cliffs around Clinton and working at Aggies Marina along the Mississippi River. This began his love of everything outdoors: boats, fishing and water.
Howard attended Clinton St. Mary’s until 11th grade, ultimately graduating from Clinton High School in 1955.
After high school, Howard attended Clinton Junior College before completing his education at the University of Iowa, receiving his BS and MS in chemistry and biochemistry. He was honored as a Finkbine Scholar his senior year at the University of Iowa.
While attending junior college, he married Elaine Gilbert. Together they had two children, Teryl and Clayton. They later divorced.
Howard had a scientific career with the University of Iowa College of Medicine Cardiovascular Research Center as a senior research associate for 24 years. He also participated in university administration by being elected to the University of Iowa Staff Council and was president of that council for many years.
In 1986, he married Victoria Carolan. For their honeymoon, Howard and Vicki sailed the Caribbean to learn ocean sailing. This would spark a desire to pursue that lifestyle.
He would say living on and sailing their 41-foot sailboat, Alchemy, was a cherished part of his life. Howard was a natural “Skipper,” successfully navigating Atlantic Ocean waters long before GPS was available. Together they sailed for 10 years in the Bahamas, Caribbean, Florida and the entire east coast to Maine and back many times.
Howard loved bicycling, running, woodworking, gardening, fishing, archery and anything that kept his mind and body busy. After leaving the sailing life and moving to Elkader (Vicki’s hometown) in 1998, he volunteered his skills helping to renovate the Elkader Opera House, participating on that board and the board of the Carter House Museum.
Those who knew him were often witness to his many witty remarks lovingly called “Howardisms.” Nieces and nephews lovingly called him “Funcle”: fun uncle.
Left to cherish his legacy are his wife, Victoria Carolan; children, Teryl Mayer (Roger Pilcher) and Clayton Mayer (Nannette Amneus); granddaughter Rachel (Jim) Reis; great-grandsons Benton and Tyson Reis; sister Mary (Joe) Pethia; siblings-in-law, Pat Mayer, Yvonne Mayer, Jan Hamilton and Doug (Lois) Carolan; and many loving nieces and nephews. He was also honored to be blessed with a loving “bonus” family who are grateful for his contribution to their lives: Mark Loewenstein (Sun Kim) and their children, Kai, Gemti and Serena; Rachel Astarte and her son Benny; Chris (Eileen) Paulus and their children Josh and Alissa; and Lisa (Staci) Simpson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; in laws Ray and Gertie Carolan; brothers Ed, Jerry, Bubs, Bob and Tom; sisters, Jean McConnell and Betty Hickenbottom; siblings-in-law, Ward McConnell, Darrell Hickenbottom, David (LaRae) Carolan, Robert Hamilton and Thomas and Frances Carolan.
No funeral services are planned. Howard donated his body to the U of Iowa for medical research.
Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For tho’ from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crost the bar.
— Alfred, Lord Tennyson, “Crossing the Bar” (1889)
