Born on September 23, 1915. Passed April 9, 2020 at the age of 104 years 199 days. Son of the late Frank Xavier and the late Anna Johanna (nee Godefroid) Maurer.
Preceded in death by his ex-wife Annabell (nee Baker) Maurer, whom he fondly referred to as “the love of my life;” son, Lawrence, Jr. “Larry”; his daughter, Adele “Chickie”; his granddaughter, Nichole; his brother, Daniel and five sisters–Helen Robinson, Amanda Maurer, Margaret Ulrich, Marie Bareiter and Lorraine Miller.
Survived by four children—Arthur Maurer of St. Louis, MO, Austin Maurer of Arcadia, MO, Richard Maurer of St Louis, MO and Ann Maurer of St. Louis, MO. Also survived by twelve grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren and a sister, Ethel Hurst.
Dad was a mechanic all of his life—as he put it, “correcting engineers’ mistakes.” He worked on everything from small chainsaw’s gasoline engines to large earth-moving machine’s diesel engines.
In the early 1940s, Dad answered a billboard ad seeking mechanics, applied for the job and was on a plane to Panama the very next day. There he helped maintain the machinery necessary for the construction of the Panama Canal.
Dad was very proud of his time in the U.S. Army (1943-1945) where he was head mechanic over a crew of up to 50 men. He saw many lands while he was stationed in the South Pacific—The Philippines, New Guinea, Luzon, the islands of the Dutch East Indies and the Coral Sea.
Dad also travelled to Venezuela in an effort to mine for diamonds on the Orinoco and other rivers.
After his stint in the Army, Dad started a mechanic’s shop out of the large commercial garage next to our home near Anheuser-Busch Brewery. He told of doing a complete brake job on a car, all four wheels, honing the cylinders, resurfacing the drums and replacing all of the brake shoes for $5.00.
Dad and Mom started a rental trailer business, Rento, before U-Haul even existed. Dad and his workers built the trailers, and Mom handled a lot of the rental end.
He also did asphalt paving and was in the demolition business for many years in the City of St. Louis. Some of the bigger jobs handled by his company, which included family members, were the demolition of the 13-story Claridge Hotel and levelling of several blocks for the site of the Convention Center in downtown St. Louis.
In 1985, Dad moved to his farm in Arcadia, MO. He started a water-well drilling and pump service company. He was active in the business until 2019.
In late July, 2019, and in declining health, Dad decided to move back to St. Louis to live with his daughter Ann. Ann (along with Richard, when needed) took care of his daily needs and kept him company and in good spirits.
Dad was also looked after by a team of hospice workers from BJC. He was particularly fond of his CNA, Marquita. He would smile from ear to ear, blow kisses, wave, etc. The show of genuine affection was amazing to see.
Dad will be sorely missed by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, other family members and many, many friends.
HE WANDERS NO MORE
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no service. Memorial service at a possible later date.
Sorry for your loss love y’all and miss you guys Wanda Dunn
RIP grandpa. We love you.
Thank You for your service. You were an amazing man. I wish I could have met you!! I would have given anything to have heard your stories!!!!
The Stiebel Family in Texas sends our condolences to the Maurer Family. What a great long life Mr. Maurer had that many do not get, in living so many years. I am sure he could tell some stories from way back in the day. And being able to see over 100 years of the City of St Louis grow. Many Grands and Great Grands that will hear the stories from the next generation for years to come. Rest high with the Angels Mr Maurer.
Dennis, Dina, Josh, Justin, Jacob and Jill Stiebel
God Bless You and Thank You for your service…………..
Sorry for your lost loved one what long blessed life.
Ann, your Dad was a gem. Bought my 1993 Dodge Dakota at 101 and I spoke to him on the phone. I could tell he still knew his stuff about trucks. I wonder if he knew my father-in-law on the Army. He was in the same places in WW2, at same time.
Reading that..I guess Ann wrote it…reading what all this man has done and knowing you all for near my whole life…well I feel very Honored to have been a part of the family…most serious man I ever talked to…the Mrs. Was a ST LOUIS Ledgen…love you all for ever
We Are So Sorry For Your Loss Our Thoughts And Prayers Are With The Family During This Difficult Time Love You
So sorry for your loss youare in my thoughts and prayers
I’m so thankful I knew him and I am thankful I know you I know we meet him in the sky when we see Jesus
R.i.p. grandpa maurer… sorry for your loss to everyone else in the family…love u all !!
Sorry for your loss Ann. The obituary was a nice read
RIP, Dad. You are missed so very much, it hurts tremendously.
Never to be forgotten.
My deepest Condolences. It was a honor to meet him at his home when I was younger. Thank you for all of your friendships. And Love. May he rest in peace with the good Lord. And live in all of hearts forever. ❤️✝️
God Bless.
Kenneth G Hoffman Sr.
Grandpa Maurer. We miss you more than words can describe. You and Grandma are together now and forever in our hearts. Angels in Heaven looking down on us all. Rest in Peace.