Dean Edward Mayer

Dean Edward Mayer, age 77, of Mitchell, SD passed away peacefully Sunday, August 16, 2026 at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital under hospice care. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Thursday, August 20, 2026 at Holy Family Catholic Church with burial at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM  to 7:00 PM Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at the Will Funeral Chapel with a prayer service beginning at 6:30 PM. 

Dean Edward Mayer was born on January 5, 1949 in Parkston, SD, to Bernard "BJ" and Isabelle (Breck) Mayer. He attended country school and Parkston High School. Dean proudly served in the SD Army National Guard in Parkston, SD. 

Dean worked at the Dimock Grain Elevator for several years before moving to Mitchell, where he worked for Larsen Distributing. He later became self-employed in the trucking business, owning and operating Mayer Trucking. In 2018 Dean began working for Davison County as a heavy equipment operator, a position he held for three years before retiring. He later enjoyed driving truck for Adam Geppert Trucking until his health required him to fully retire. 

In August of 1988, Dean married Linda O'Connor. Together, they built a life and raised their family in Mitchell. Dean lovingly adopted Traci and Tayla and helped raise hem alongside Linda's son, Travis. 

Dean enjoyed many of life's simple pleasures. He loved mowing, fishing, hunting, camping with family, playing cribbage, and most of all, spending time with his grandchildren and grand dogs. He cherished time spent with his family and created many memories that will be treasured forever. 

Dean is survived by his wife of 38 years, Linda of Mitchell, SD: daughters, Traci (Randy) Zoss and Tayla (Carl) Plastow, all of Mitchell; stepson, Travis Degen of Mitchell; six grandchildren, Terryn (Samantha) Degen, Brooke Degen, Trey Degen, Alexis Plastow, Jaylie Zoss and Lincoln Zoss; one great-grandson, Wells Degen; brothers, Allen (Marcia) Mayer, of Armour, Gary (Brenda) Mayer, of Mitchell, and Joel (Cindy) Mayer of Parkston; brothers-in-law, Mick (Carla) O'Connor of Mitchell and Pat (Patty) O'Connor of Alexandria; his special dog, Stella; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard "BJ" and Isabelle Mayer; his brother, Lynn Mayer; and his parents-in-law, Johnny and Stella O'Connor. 

Dean will be deeply missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandson, extended family, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His love, guidance and the memories he created with his family will live on in their hearts forever.