Mary “Ginger” Mayer, 90, passed away peacefully on Feb. 18, 2026.
Born May 19, 1935, in Fargo, North Dakota, Ginger spent her early years in Minnesota until her family moved to Wisconsin. Ginger met Douglas Mayer, the love of her life, and was married in 1955. She and Doug settled in Waterford, where they spent most of their lives and built their family.
Ginger taught us all that blood doesn’t make family; love does that—and love is what she did best. She created a family where others said there would never be one. She took in children who would otherwise have been lost, she saw the overlooked, and made space for the forgotten.
Throughout the years, Ginger worked hard beside Douglas building homes, gardening, helping family, and raising their children. She was very active at St. Thomas Aquinas during this time, and her faith was her strength throughout all of the ups and downs of life. Once the children were grown, Ginger proudly served the citizens of the Town of Waterford as Town Clerk for ten years.
Ginger was a woman of faith, humor, and a true love of helping others. She had a wicked sense of humor and loved to have a good time. She truly touched so many people’s lives and always put her family first.
Ginger is survived by her sister, Sharon; her children, Julie (John) Chriske, Lori (Paul) Schiemann, Paul Mayer, and Angela (Brian) Hanna; grandchildren, Samantha Mayer, Justin (Diana) Schiemann, Jessica Schiemann, Aaron Schiemann, Joshua (Lindsey) Maerzke, Sarah Wolfe, Jacob Maerzke, Benjamin Maerzke, Rachel Maerzke, Breanna Hannah, Taleyah Hannah, Bradon Hannah; and great grandchildren, Paige, Noah, Bianka, Alysse, Jack, Charlie, Roczen and Walter Jr.
Ginger was preceded in death by the love of her life Douglas L. Mayer, son-in-law Paul D. Schiemann, her parents, brothers Tom and Jim Rassel, and numerous extended family members.
The family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, from 10 until 11:45 a.m. at the Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St. in Whitewater. A Celebration of Life Service to remember Ginger will follow at the funeral home at Noon. Burial will be at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery at a later date.
Thank you to the amazing caregivers and other staff at Fairhaven. You made mom feel so loved and relevant, and words cannot express how much your care and love is appreciated. You are truly gifted and special people for what you do.
The Nitardy Funeral Home has been entrusted with Ginger’s arrangements.