Mathew Scott Maurer, 67, of Milan, Illinois went home to be with God on April 1, 2021 while holding his wife in his arms, and surrounded by all of his children, his sister-in-law, and two loyal dogs by his side at home.
He was born in Peoria, Illinois on December 18, 1953 to Louis and Lois (Branson) Maurer. He attended Richwoods High School prior to moving to Rock Island, Illinois, where he lived for most of his life.
He married his sweetheart and wife of nearly 46 years, Sheri Mier, when he was a young and spirited long haired man on May 10, 1975 at the Church of Peace in Rock Island. Scott and Sheri’s love story is one that the world could use more of, and a wonderful example for those that loved him. Scott would do anything for his bride, and showed his love every day he lived.
He joined the Rock Island Fire Department in 1981 and immensely enjoyed a lifelong career and brotherhood with his fire buddies, retiring as Lieutenant in 2007. A hero to his loved ones, and a real life hero to those he helped during his tenure. “Scotty” always drove the fire engine and taught his family that if you bring ice cream to the fire house for him, you better bring ice cream for all his brothers, too.
He lived his life as a selfless person. Skilled with a hammer and the first to volunteer to help a friend with a project, he previously owned D&M Siding & Gutters with his best friend and firefighter brother Leonard DeBroeck.
Scott was an avid golfer, finding his peace (and sometimes ire) on the golf course. He loved Highland Springs the best, and all of his time spent golfing with his family and friends. When taking time to relax at home, you’d usually find him watching golf on tv, and the birds outside of the lovely home he proudly maintained. He made countless special memories with loved ones while vacationing in the Northwoods of Wisconsin and in the Caribbean.
As his brother Dave said, he was the type of man to give you the shirt off his back and then offer to buy you lunch right after. His family, faith, and friends were what always meant the most to him.
Always a hero, he fought a courageous 19-month battle with stage IV esophageal cancer, never losing his spirit and love for everyone. He said “I love you” until his last breath, and is now at peace.
Left to honor his memory are his loving wife Sheri, his three adoring children Eric (fiancée Natalie) and Ryan Maurer of Rock Island, and Amanda (Brad) Wallace of Colona; grandchildren William, Bailey, and Payton; four siblings Michael Maurer of Ohio, David (Julie) Maurer of Wisconsin, Sandy (Henry) Meskimen of Peoria, and Jeff Harn of Peoria; and many nieces, nephews, and very loved friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Suzanne Barnewolt.
His memorial visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 6th from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, 201 E. 4th Ave, Milan. His funeral will be held on Wednesday, April 7th at 10:00 am at the funeral home, with burial to follow at Memorial Park in Rock Island where he will be honored by the Rock Island Fire Department.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family, with a charity to be designated later. Online condolences may be left at www.wheelanpressly.com.
Rest easy, Dad. We love you, always.
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