Linus Maier

Linus Francis Maier, age 83, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, July 6, 2020, where he is enjoying a reunion with family and friends he hasn’t seen in a long time. He was the first born of 11 to Peter and Margaret (Meffert) Maier, at home on the farm on Woodland Drive in Waunakee.

Linus was a lifelong learner and he could always be found at his kitchen table with either a newspaper or magazine. His pursuit of knowledge began when he attended St. Norbert Catholic School in Roxbury and then the Lodi school system, proudly graduating in 1956.  He was a further graduate of the MATC Farm Business, Production and Management program in Madison in 1994.

Linus married his high school sweetheart, Ruth Ann Wipperfurth, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Dane on October 15, 1959.  After they wed, Linus and Ruth Ann began farming and raised five children on what they fondly referred to as “Our Own Dairy”.  Linus was proud that his family chose to carry on the farming tradition, and he worked side by side with his wife, sons and grandsons in building his legacy, Maier Farms, LLC of Waunakee until his passing.

Linus and Ruth Ann enjoyed 60 years of marriage and were frequently found dancing to their favorite polka band, driving in their ‘56 Ford Fairlane or enjoying their many children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren at their activities and celebrations.  Linus did his part to support the dairy industry by indulging in his daily ice cream treat and most evenings ended with a Pepsi - which he always shared with Ruth Ann.

Linus was a hardworking, faithful farmer who was known for his integrity, hospitality and warm smile. No one was a stranger to Linus and no matter who you were, he made you feel important.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Ruth Ann, and their five children, Kathy & Bob Barman, Lori & Art Meinholz, Kevin & Jane Maier, L. Scott & Daun Maier and Keith & Lynn Maier; twelve grandchildren: Jennifer Waldsmith, Sarah & Tony Blodgett, Lee & Megan Meinholz, Tracy Meinholz & friend Logan Thomas, Samantha & Brent Smith, Kim & Ben Rohrbeck, Katie Maier, Cody Maier & fiancé Ivy Kitelinger, Kayla & Tony Flint, Patrick & Courtney Maier, Abby Maier & fiancé Zach Shriver, & Gavin Maier.

Great-grandchildren: Keaton, Carter, Ayden, Sofia, Dane, Cooper, Liam, Mila, Noah, Emma, Vincent, Maxwell, Gabriel, Sylvia, Anika and Leo.

Siblings: Vernon & Ellen Maier, Judy & John Kiselis, Roman &Linda Maier, Dan Maier, Marvin & Mary Lou Maier, Donna & Dave Lemke, Roger & Heidi Maier, Virgil (Petie) & Bonnie Maier. In laws: Gene Haug, Janet Kitsemble, Mary Ripp, Bonnie & Bill Schmidt, Bill & Diane Wipperfurth.

Linus was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Dianne Haug & Paul Maier, and in-laws Mike & Betty Wipperfurth.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday July 17, 2020 at 11:00 am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Waunakee with Msgr. James Gunn officiating. Interment will take place in the St. John Cemetery following the Mass. The funeral will be livestreamed and may be accessed on the St. John website at www.stjb.org

Winn-Cress Funeral Home

5785 Hwy Q

Waunakee, WI

(608) 849-4513