Donald E. Mayer, 89, Anamoose, passed away Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at the Missouri Slope Care Center, Bismarck, North Dakota.  Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, July 11, 2022 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Anamoose.  Fr. Thomas Graner will officiate and burial will be in the church cemetery.  A rosary will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday at the church.  Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Home, Drake, North Dakota.

Donald Eugene Mayer, son of Victor and Clara (Pillatzke) Mayer, was born August 29, 1932 on the Mayer farm west of Anamoose. As a child Donald moved with his family to a farm north of Anamoose where he was raised. He attended Anamoose Public School, graduating in 1950. Donald began farming at an early age with his family and brother, Francis. He took over the family farming operation in the 1970's.

On February 4, 1958, Donald was united in marriage to Clara Ann Rudnick in Anamoose. They made their home on the Mayer family farm north of Anamoose. Following his retirement, Donald continued to help his son Glen with the farming operations and will continue to do so forever.

Donald never missed a day of getting Clara Ann's car out of the garage, warm and ready for her to drive to work. He excitedly waited for her to return home. Donald's life involved his love of farming, the land, reading, predicting the weather and even choosing their wedding date by the phase of the moon. Donald's greatest joy was his family.

Donald was a member of the St. Francis-Xavier Catholic Church of Anamoose.

He is survived by his wife, Clara Ann; 1 daughter, Donna Woelfel of Tacoma, WA; 4 sons, Steven (Karen) Mayer of Horace, Joel (Roxann) Mayer of Big Lake, MN, Randal (Linda) Mayer of Fargo and Glen (Heather) Mayer of Anamoose; 13 Grandchildren, Ingrid, Thor, Brad, Kristen, Kelly, Olivia, Justin, John, Timothy, Arianne, Brice, Giselle, Eden and 9 Great Grandchildren.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Francis and sisters, Marie, Estella and Marcella.