Sep 14, 1944---Jun 10, 2021

Ronald Max Mayerle, 76, of Overland Park, KS passed Thursday, June 10, 2021.  Born September 14,1944 at Bethany Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas to Michael and Ann (Roznowski) Mayerle. He attended De La Salle High School, then going on to graduate from Rockhurst College with Bachelor degrees in Education and Business Administration. His teaching career was cut short by the Vietnam Draft where he served in the U.S. Army special security group stationed at Pirmasens, Germany attaining the rank of Sergeant. 

Completing his tour, Ron returned to the States, taking a job with the Secret Service during the NIxon Administration. But home was in Kansas, and after a few years, he returned, taking a job with the Department of Labor from which he retired after thirty plus years. Ron's retirement lasted one weekend, and then he was back out working with the public for the US Census Bureau. The last five years of his working career were spent with the Shawnee Mission School District Food Service, finally retiring his working shoes in 2019. 

Ron loved music, people, and all varieties of food. He taught international folk dancing through the Communiversity Program of U.M.K.C. for fifteen years. He was den leader for Pack 3392, then pack master during his sons scouting years. A PTA member at every school his children attended, he accepted gracefully the many volunteer hours thrust upon him. His other activities included membership and officer in the Holy Family Church Holy Name Society, member of the American Slovenian Catholic Union, member of the Queen of the Holy Rosary Knights of Columbus Council 10841, and member of the American Legion Dwight Coles Post 370. 

Ron was preceded in death by his parents and infant brother, Michael. He is survived by his wife, Susan Stark Mayerle, and his children Michael, Meredith, and Max. The family would like to thank the staff of Advent Health Shawnee Mission Hospital for their unwavering support and dedicated and loving care in his six year battle with cancer. From his search for a diagnosis to his final breath, he was treated with the utmost dignity ( he had many nurses who visited him in his final days to let him know how much they enjoyed him as a patient). To his doctors John Strickland,Tracy Miles, M. Kyasa and David Kennedy, in you, Ron was truly blessed. You supported him in his quest for survival and guided him through the difficult decision of letting go. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Mr. Mayerle may be sent to:  Misericordia Heart of Mercy Home, 6300 N. Ridge, Chicago IL 60660, in support of his nephew, resident Ernie Stark, #6082A. 

Queen of the Holy Rosary Church 7023 W. 71rst Street, Overland Park, KS 66204

Holy Family Church 274 Orchard Street, Kansas City, KS 66101

 

Ron will be buried with full military honors at Leavenworth National Cemetery. Private family service.



Condolences

Gary P Morgan Jun 12, 2021

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Dear Susie, I am sorry to learn of Ron's passing. It has been a long, exhausting, well fought battle. He was the man of steel! He was also many other things, of course. His obituary is very well written and gives a good sketch of his being a good citizen, father, husband, and man. I will miss the chance encounters with him I enjoyed over the years. I imagine all of you are heartsick, yet relieved that the battle is done. Please accept my sincere condolences to all four of you. Take care. Sincerely, Gary Morgan

Kathy and Ron Henley Jun 12, 2021

Griend

All of you are in our prayers!

Mary Lou Wieliczka Jun 12, 2021

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Dear Susie and family, So sorry for your loss. Ron fought bravely and is now at peace. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Mary Lou and Dave Wieliczka

John Waldron Jun 12, 2021

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Susie, Michael, Meredith, and Max, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Ron. I can only believe that he’s in a better place and no longer suffering. I will pray for you all to be lifted from the burden of your sorrow and sadness. I hope that everyone is healthy. Susie, know that I hold you dearly in heart and am here for you if needed. I am on vacation and won’t be able to attend services John Waldron

Joe DeMarco Jun 12, 2021

Friend of Michael’s ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Michael is a wonderful person — Largely due to Ronald. We send our condolences to the family.

Jim & Linda Pearson Jun 13, 2021

Cousin ,Shawnee ,Kansas

So sorry to receive this news of his passing. Our entire family was always so proud of Ron and all his accomplishments. He was always a straight shooter. I've never, ever, heard anyone say something negative about Ron. I remember playing sock ball with Ron in the street in front of his house and trying to get him to ask the little girl across the street to play with us and he said she didn't play ball. Six years later we met in high school and 8 years later I married her-Linda. She remembers walking to school and following him everyday but couldn't keep up with him because he walked so fast. I told her he was always a good student and, unlike me, probably couldn't wait to get to school. If there is anything I can do for you Susan, please let me know. Cousin Jamie and Linda

Marie Jun 13, 2021

Friend of Susie ,Prairie village ,Kansas

Susie, So sorry to hear about your husband Ron’s passing. From his obituary, it sounds like you and your family have many fond memories to help you feel him by your side as your grieve.

Sharon Bugler Jun 13, 2021

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Dear Susie, Michael, Meredith, and Max, I am so very sorry for the loss of your husband and father. He was a good man and a true gentleman, and I know you will really miss him. Please take care of yourselves. I want to help all of you in any way I can. Please let me know. Sending my love to all of you. Sharon Bugler

Dustin Mace Jun 13, 2021

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Susie and Mayerle family I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Ron was a tremendous person and I am happy I was able to know him. I know these last several years were exhausting on all of you but I hope you find some solace in knowing that Ron is in a better place. Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers.

Jordan Jun 13, 2021

Friend & Nurse ,Merriam ,Kansas

Ron was one of the most genuine and kind people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Even when he probably should have, he never complained, and he always cared genuinely for others. I am thankful to have spent time with him over the last few years. He will be sorely missed by many of us. Sending all of my love to you, Susie, Max, Michael, & Meredith.

Isabella Benner Jun 14, 2021

Friend ,Fort Bidwell ,California

Dearest Mayerles, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Max, you’ve been one of my longest and sweetest friends and I am incredibly sad about this news. Ron was a great man, I met him a couple of times and he always made me laugh so hard, I could always see the resemblance in his children. He has passed on a great legacy of beauty and freedom and he will be missed tremendously.

Holy Family Church Jun 14, 2021

The parishioners of Holy Family Church in Kansas City, Kansas (Strawberry Hill) send our heartfelt condolences to Ron's family. Ron was a member of the Holy Name Society and held office. We saw Ron with his beloved wife Susan attending church events - Slovenefest, polka dances, fundraisers, anniversaries etc. Ron holds a very special place in our hearts and he will be missed. "Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen."

Andrea Allson Jun 14, 2021

Nurse ,Shawnee ,Kansas

Susie, I was honored to be a part of the care team that cared for Ron. I enjoyed bearing witness to the love and humor you both shared for life and your family. Ron was certainly a bright light in this world and touched a great many lives. I will be praying for you and the kids and sending well wishes. Sincerely, Andrea

Jodi Turner Jun 14, 2021

Friend ,Kansas city ,Missouri

Susie and Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you. Mr. Mayerle defied expectations and set an example of how to go through a terrible disease with grace and dignity. Mr.Mayerle you truly were and a joy to know.

Patty ODonnell Jun 14, 2021

Friend ,Lenexa ,Kansas

Dear Susie, Michael, Meredith , Max I know there are no words to say to take your grief away. I hope your memories of Ron will help you get through the difficult days ahead. Ron did a lot in his lifetime and I know he cherished each one of you. He is now pain free and watching over each one of you. Love and hugs, Patty

Richard J Raad Jun 15, 2021

Army brother ,SHALLOTTE ,North Carolina

I have known Ron since 1967. We served together in Germany for 2 years. He and his wife have attended our Army reunions ever since. Ron was a very interesting man. He had many interests. I would put music at the top of that list. He also is the only person I know that could sleep standing up:) He was also extremely lucking to have Sue as his wife. If you know Ron, then you totally understand. He will be missed. Love you man. RIP.

Michael and Mary Jun 17, 2021

Army Friends ,Agawam ,Massachusetts

,Sue and Family Our prayers are with you. May Ron rest in peace.

Lisa Downs & David Allen Jun 20, 2021

Friend & Previous Co-Worker ,Olathe ,Kansas

Oh, my dear Susie. We are so sorry to hear of Ron's passing. You have been lovingly caring for him for so many years. What a tremendous loss for you, Michael, Meredith, Max, your extended family, friends and all of us who had the pleasure of knowing him. We will hold you close to our hearts and keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Shelley King Jun 21, 2021

SMSD- Highlands Kitchen Manager ,Fairway ,Kansas

I am very sorry to hear of Ron's passing. He was such a blessing to me, because he did his best. He broke up any gossip, by not participating, which was so helpful. He was always kind and respectful to me, which meant a lot. I am very sorry that I didn't know his many accomplishments. He worked humbly and quietly. I saw him at a store a few years ago, and was surprised that we greeted with a smile and a hug. But, I am glad to say, we genuinely cared for and appreciated working together. I am thankful to Ron and sorry to know he was sick during this time. I never knew this either. God bless you in your loss. Sincerely, Shelley King