Hilary J. Mayers

Hilary J. Mayers, aka "Hilly" or "Hootie", age 85 of Fridley, MN, passed away peacefully and was called to his eternal resting place on Sunday, May 24, 2026 at White Pines Senior Living.

Hilary was born on the Mayers farm in Freeport, MN, on March 19, 1941 to George and Alvina (Poepping) Mayers, the third oldest of 12 children.

A son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, godfather, and friend.

Early in his life, Hilary helped his family and neighbors on their farms in the Stearns County area. He graduated from Melrose High School, Class of 1959! Hilary later moved to the Twin Cities, where he began working in road construction. Over the years, he enjoyed what he did and did it well. He was truly gifted as a paver operator for various companies until his retirement in 2012.

May of 1965, Hilary married Doris T. Thell at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Grey Eagle, MN. In 1966, Hilary and Doris moved into their forever home in Fridley. Shortly after, they started their family.

Hilary was a proud Local 49er for over 65 years. He enjoyed the outdoors; fishing, deer hunting, and gardening were among his top favorites. He was also a sports fan, often eager to watch or listen to the MN Vikings and Twins on TV or radio.

Hilary lived his faith through action. He liked to volunteer at church as an usher during Saturday evening mass, and as a Knights of Columbus brother, flipping pancakes during Sunday morning breakfasts.

Hilary showed selflessness through his generosity, hospitality, and willingness to lend a helping hand to others. He valued his family very much and always enjoyed the time with them at any gathering.

Hilary is survived by his caring family: children, Lisa (Tom) Schloegl, Lori (Albert) Koester, and Leon Mayers (Julie Schmidtke); grandchildren, Sarah (Andrew) Ostendorf, Amanda Koester (Brandon Lee-Jones), Emily Koester (fiancé, Logan Wernimont), and Jayla Schloegl; great-grandchildren, Rilynn and Jackson Ostendorf, Theo Lee-Jones, and Ella Wernimont; and brothers and sisters, Arnie Mayers, Viola Geislinger, Vali (Ron) Flint, Lill (Jim) Wawra, Leona Wieland, Sr. Ange Mayers, Fran (Michael) Fischer, Ernie Mayers, and Morrie (Char) Mayers. He will be greatly missed by many loving relatives and friends.

Hilary was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Doris, who passed on November 10, 2023; parents, George and Alvina Mayers; brothers, Harvey and Melvin Mayers; in-laws, Diana Mayers, Larry Geislinger, George Wieland, David Bolling, and the Thell in-laws.

Celebration of Life with Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at Church of St. William, 6120 5th St. NE., Fridley, MN. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. for family and friends to gather before mass. A prayer service will take place at Miller Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 from 5-7 p.m.  Luncheon will follow in Keefe Hall, lower level. The family welcomes you to join them at the cemetery, Morningside Memorial Gardens, 11800 University Ave. NW, Coon Rapids, MN.

Our family expresses their gratitude for the love, care, and support for our father, Hilary.

In closing, Hilary whispered his final words to his nurse, "Tell everybody, I love them all so much!"