Dan, our beloved brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend passed away on May 22, 2025, surrounded in spirit and prayer by all who loved him.
He was born in Richardton, North Dakota, on February 15, 1938, to Joseph P. and Mary (Jordan) Mayer. After the early loss of their mother, Dan and his sister Rosalie were blessed to be raised by their loving stepmother, Marie (Kelsch), alongside seven additional siblings, all of whom were Joseph and Marie’s “Crown Jewels.” Dan grew up helping out on the family farm near Mott, ND, an experience that shaped his hardworking spirit and inventive nature.
Following high school, Dan joined the Army Reserves, serving for eight years and earning the rank of Specialist 4 before his honorable discharge in 1963. He pursued higher education at National College of Business in Rapid City, SD, which launched his 49-year career in banking.
The most life-changing event was meeting the love of his life, Donna Marie Walston. Dan and Donna were married on September 10, 1960, and went on to build a beautiful life together, raising two children, Jamie and Mark which led to 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
Dan’s career brought the family to Sturgis, SD, a community he would dedicate himself to for decades. As a loan officer, he believed deeply in people and took pride in helping them achieve their hopes and dreams. His devotion to Sturgis extended far beyond banking. He served as a city councilman for 22 years and was actively involved in numerous local boards and committees. One of the causes closest to his heart was Heritage Acres Elderly Housing, where he served on the advisory board for 30 years.
Throughout their years in Sturgis, Dan and Donna built a wide circle of cherished friendships. Dan loved to socialize and lived life to the fullest, whether traveling the world, hunting, fishing, attending Broadway shows, or hitting the road with his Corvette group.
Closer to home, Dan found immense joy in family gatherings, reunions on the farm, and supporting his 10 grandchildren at numerous sporting events, dance recitals and activities in the arts. Known for always having a project in the works, Dan inherited a tinkerer’s mind from his farming roots, always fixing things, even if they didn’t really need fixing. He especially loved finding hidden treasures through auctions and Facebook Marketplace, often making the winning bid on something in which only he saw the value.
Dan was a longtime member of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Sturgis. In his final days, time was spent with him reflecting on his faith and the saving grace of Jesus Christ — of which, we hope and trust he carried with him as he crossed the threshold into eternity.
Dan is deeply loved and will be dearly missed by his daughter Jamie Hilt (Tom) and son Mark Mayer (Darla); grandchildren Dan Mayer (Kelsey), Brittanie Rezac (Joe), Kevin Hilt (Casey), Nate Blaseg (Elise), Matt Blaseg (Taryn), Abbey Hilt, Mia Hilt, Lily Hilt, Jacob Mayer, and Eliza Mayer; great-grandchildren Natalie Blaseg, Addie Rezac, Maverick Mayer, Mylah Blaseg, Palmer Mayer, and Baby Boy Rezac; and by the many friends and community members in Sturgis who were touched by his presence.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Heritage Acres in Sturgis — a project Dan poured his heart into. The family also asks for your continued prayers as they grieve his loss and celebrate his life.
