Paula H. Mayer

obit template2018-11-29T12:10:12+00:00

Paula H.
Mayer

Memorial Visitation: Held on Tuesday, July 27th at Eastbrook Church (5385 N. Green Bay Ave.) from 1PM-3PM.

Memorial Service: Held on Tuesday, July 27th at Eastbrook Church (5385 N. Green Bay Ave.) at 3PM.

For those who are unable to attend the services for Paula, a Zoom link is provided below.

Paula Hodapp Mayer of Mequon, Wisconsin went to be with her best friend, Jesus, on Monday, July 19, 2021 after 62 well-lived years of service to her Lord and Savior.

Raised in Ohio, Paula was the daughter of the late Daniel and Dorsie (Turpen) Hodapp. She graduated from Centerville High School and attended Manchester University, Indiana for two years before graduating from The Ohio State University (B.S. Consumer Science/Affairs). Throughout her college summers, she worked at YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, CO where she began a life-long love for the outdoors and mountain hiking. After graduating, Paula returned to Colorado to start her decade-long commercial insurance industry career in Denver. During that time, she met and fell in love with her next best friend, Rick. They were married in 1987 and later added to their family with three precious children, Maddy, Zach and Mira.

Paula served on the Board of Governors for Opportunity International, which helps families who are living in extreme poverty build sustainable livelihoods. She served as co-founder and board member of Ozaukee County Young Life, became a licensed chaplain, and was an emerging and aspiring storyteller. Paula loved to spend time in the Northwoods at their lake home known as “Camp Mayer” where, with Rick, she always brought adventure and fun for family and friends.

Paula remained active in several Bible studies and attended Life Church – Germantown. Paula’s greatest accomplishment may have been surviving three cancers, including a donor bone marrow transplant. Paula co-authored two books in which she shared her inspiring story to empower others and demonstrate that, even amidst difficult circumstances, life is beautiful and worth living to the fullest.

Paula will forever be remembered for raising three wonderful children with Rick, as well as for her strong faith, beautiful spirit, love of life, grit, laughter, encouraging heart and endless acts of kindness. She deeply loved her husband; her three children; her siblings; the Mayer, Hodapp and Turpen extended families; and countless friends.

Paula is survived by her husband, Rick Mayer; son Zach (Milwaukee, WI), daughters Maddy (Denver, CO), and Mira (Milwaukee, WI); sisters Sharon (Milwaukee, WI), and Amy (Tom) Wunderlin (Baltimore, MD); brother Tom (Marti) Hodapp (Sacramento, CA). Paula is loved by her 10 nieces and nephews.

 

One of Paula’s greatest passions was Young Life. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Paula may be directed to Young Life at:

Online at:  giving.younglife.org/Ozaukee      Checks to: Young Life with “WI65” on memo line.

  11019 N Towne Square Rd Suite 5B   Mequon, WI  53092

 

Memorial gifts may alternatively be directed to:  Froedtert Hospital Foundation using the following link: https://my.froedterthospitalfoundation.org/makeagift. When making your gift, select “other” under gift designation and then type in “Grace Clinic” in the following text box. Before submitting your gift, you can choose to make it a tribute gift in memory of Paula Mayer

Checks may be written to the Froedtert Hospital Foundation. In the memo line, please include “Grace Clinic in memory of Paula Mayer”. Checks can be mailed to: Froedtert Hospital Foundation, Development Office. PO Box 26509 Milwaukee, WI 53226

The Zoom link for the live service for Paula will be available on Tuesday, July 27th, 2021 at 2:30Pm.

Click here for the live services for Paula Mayer

12 Comments

  1. Kim Harrison July 22, 2021 at 10:54 am - Reply

    I loved when Paula prayed at our YL board/committee meetings! (Paula liked to refer to us members of the committee as a board…such a Paula-thing!) Another Paula- thing was her love of Jesus that was always on the forefront of her conversations and prayers including her thankfulness of what He did on the cross for us all. Paula’s strength in Christ was more apparent as her own physical strength was weakened. Her smile, laugh and prayers (which could be long winded for someone with a weakened lung capacity) will forever be with me! The night she passed away I asked my husband if he heard the faint sound of fireworks…we now say that Heaven was preparing for a celebration! We love you Paula!

    • Rick July 22, 2021 at 2:12 pm - Reply

      Beautiful Kim, thank you!

  2. Rebekah Bender July 22, 2021 at 2:21 pm - Reply

    Paula was a dynamo of love, enthusiasm, empathy and perseverance! Her love for Jesus truly overflowed into everything she did. What a privilege to serve together, to learn from her and to enjoy her zest for life! Much love to you, Rick, Maddy, Zach and Mia. And “see you later” Paula!

    • Rebekah Bender July 27, 2021 at 7:14 am - Reply

      I’m sorry, MIRA, for misspelling your name!!

  3. Robyn Hessling July 23, 2021 at 6:38 pm - Reply

    Paula was a gift to all. She never gave up and was such a gift to all. Her love for Christ and her children was truly amazing. Paula you will be missed.
    FPS bless this family
    The Hessling’s

  4. The Metzendorf Family July 24, 2021 at 1:38 pm - Reply

    Paula was a wonderful Christian, Wife, Mother and Friend. She will be missed by many. We all have gained an Angel. Rest In Peace my friend. Thoughts and prayers to Rick, Maddie, Zach and Mira.

  5. Shannon and Marie Barrett July 25, 2021 at 5:27 pm - Reply

    Paula was beautiful woman inside and out. Her love of Jesus was apparent in every breath she breathed. May Rick and the family rejoice in her union in heaven. May your memories heal your hearts.

  6. Kathy Erlandson July 26, 2021 at 10:17 am - Reply

    Paula was an inspiration and shining light to all whom she encountered. I will miss her writings of strength and love in the face of adversity. What a wonderful life well lived. Sending love and prayers to Rick, Maddie, Zach and Mira. Love, Kathy Erlandson-Siegenthaler

  7. John J Davies July 26, 2021 at 11:32 am - Reply

    Rick, Maddie Zach and Mira, please know how sorry we are at the passing of Paula (Mom) and know we are praying for all of you. To Maddie, Zach and Mira we will be thinking of you often and praying for you as you grieve the loss of your courageous and loving Mother. Rick you are an amazing Father and Husband and the grief must be very difficult at this time. We pray you find comfort in many sweet memories with Paula and to all of you in knowing she is now healed and in Heaven with her Father. One day you will be reunited and that will be a sweet day indeed.

    We love you,
    Louise & John Davies

  8. Leslie West July 26, 2021 at 4:38 pm - Reply

    I’m not sure I have known anyone who loved unconditionally, lived each day fully and cared about others more passionately.
    You are now in the arms of Jesus.
    For those of us left behind *tears* we will miss your grace and inspiration.
    Your children will always have an angel watching and guiding. Sending prayers and love.

  9. Randall and Pam Whitfield July 27, 2021 at 10:15 am - Reply

    We first met Paula and Rick during our trip to China in 1995 to receive our first child. There was an immediate connection and we have been friends ever since. Paula always shined brightly in her optimism. love, kindness and assurance the Lord was using her for His ministry. Her faith is unmatched, serving as an inspiration to all. We are blessed to know her and looking forward to the day we will see her again. 1 Peter 1:6-9

  10. Othel, Tracey and family July 28, 2021 at 7:31 am - Reply

    Rick…..Maddie, Zach, Mira: We’re so sorry we couldn’t attend the celebration for Paula. What a wonderful tribute to Paula, we know that Jesus was certainly among everyone there. Paula has touched so many and was like David….she truly was after the Lords heart. Remember your Kentucky families is always here for you guys, we certainly miss you. Prayers for all the family.

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