It is with sadness that we announce our dear dad’s passing, but also with rejoicing, knowing he is not suffering and is in heaven with his Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Edward was the ninth of ten children born to John and Katherine (Schoepp) Mayer. He was raised on the family farm in Huallen, AB, until he and Geraldine had to be moved to Hythe Pearson Place in old age. Ed was raised to work hard, helping on the farm with his brothers, John (Doreen), Val (Irma), Jack (Norma), and Albert (Ursula), along with his sisters, Elonora (Gus) Schneider, Lily (Roy) Brown, Emma (Fred Leeman), Martha (Eddie) Schweitzer, and Julia (Bill) Warnke.

Edward went to school for nine years at St. John’s Parochial School. He then farmed at the home farm in Huallen, starting out with a mixed farm. He progressed to a dairy farm, milking 40 Holstein cows in the morning and at night. Dad made sure to hire good men to help with this hard work. Finding pitching bales and the tedious schedule of dairy farming more than he wanted, Ed invested in egg production and became one of the biggest producers in Western Canada with Sweetheart Eggs Farm. He ran this egg farm until he retired in 2000.

Edward’s life was centered around their church, St. John’s Lutheran. He served as chairman and elder, as well as on the boards of education and stewardship. He also served as the Lutheran Laymen’s League President and for one year in the International Lutheran Laymen’s League (LLL).

Edward loved music. He sang tenor in the church choir for many years, directed by Geraldine, his wife. He also loved to sing and have fun with the latest country songs on the radio. Edward loved to dance and never missed a dance at the many weddings they attended. He played the baritone in the Beaverlodge Marching Band for a time and also played guitar and violin in his younger years.

Edward loved sports. He curled in Wembley with his brothers, Val and John, as well as with his dad, John Sr. He also played for many years on the Wembley Warriors baseball team as a bat catcher. He spent many evenings enjoying hockey, baseball, boxing, and rodeo on TV as well.

Edward met the love of his life, Geraldine Hennig, at church. She was the teacher at the parochial school at the time. They married soon after and had six children:

Maureen Schadeck and Ken Wilhite: children Jesse and Ashley Schadeck (Avery, Josie); Melody and Leo Langevin (Danielle, Roxanne); Adrien and Magda Schadeck (Jacqueline, Benjamin); Amber Schadeck and Sebastian Turcotte (Hayden, Hunter); and Dalen and Bailie Schadeck.

Marilyn and John Portwood: children Philip and Theresa Hibbert (Layla, Brandon, Ashton); James Hibbert; Lucas and Kate Portwood (Jude, Jack); and Jade Portwood.

Merlyn and Barb Mayer: children Mackenzie Mayer; Megan and Cordell Shmyr (Sade, Hayes); and Madison and Brad Thibeault (Bekam, Milo).

Maurice and Janet Mayer: children Jared and Marla Mayer (Abigail, Theodore); Jordan and Stephanie Mayer (Ian, Rosalie, Lucy); and Joel and Christine Mayer.

Marcel and Kerry Mayer: children Leah and Jeremy Johnston (Jasper, Silas); Corissa Dietz and Riley Mayer (Philip, Kolin, Carson); Nathan and Dakota Mayer (Ellie, Beau, Wynn, Poppy); and Gavin and Courtney Mayer (Liam, Ethan).

Marcia and Tim Toews: children Alicia and Kevin Peters (Liam, Wyatt, Georgia); Averyl Toews and Ryley Risling (Ryker); Andrea Toews; and Arilyn Toews.

Dad’s legacy has led to 23 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren.

Dad’s father, John Mayer, lived with the family as well.

Dad loved to socialize, so our home was filled with friends and family. The kitchen table was often occupied by the men playing crib or challenging each other to a strength test.

Dad was very generous and had empathy for anyone in need. He also was adamant that all his children get an education. He made sure we all had an opportunity to attend university to further our careers.

As a couple, they loved to travel. They enjoyed many wonderful trips to Europe and South America, as well as many other places. Dad loved the cruise ships, so many of their holidays were spent cruising—the Panama Canal, Hawaii, and so on. They also learned to downhill ski in their late 50s.

Ed had a full life. He was a firm but loving father and husband. His faith was first and foremost to him. Even at 93 years of age, he could remember Bible verses from his confirmation days and all the words to his favorite hymns.

Edward was predeceased by his wife, Geraldine, in 2023; his brothers, John (Doreen), Val (Irma), Jack, and Albert; and his sisters, Lily (Roy) Brown, Emma (Fred) Leeman, Elonora (Gus) Schneider, and Julia (Bill) Warnke. Remaining are his sister, Martha Schweitzer, and his sisters-in-law, Norma Mayer and Ursula Mayer. Ed was also predeceased by his son-in-law, David Schadeck, and two grandsons, Riley Mayer and James Hibbert.

All Edward’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren admire and love this wonderful man who filled their lives with the word of God, fun, laughter, and love.

On Friday, April 24, 2026, a viewing will take place at Oliver’s Funeral Home (10005-107 Ave, Grande Prairie) from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. for immediate family and 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. for other friends and family members.

Edward’s funeral will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Wembley, AB, followed by interment at the church cemetery. After the interment, friends are invited to join the family for a luncheon at the church.

Memorial donations may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church (Box 339, Wembley AB, T0H 3S0) or The Lutheran Hour Ministries (https://lll.ca/donate-online/).