Dr. Earl Joseph Maier

78, peacefully at home entered into God's loving care forever, Monday July 2 at 3:05 pm. He was born July 21, 1933 in Ravenna, OH to Caroline and Dr. Earl Cyril Maier. Earl graduated as valedictorian of Loyola Dental School in Chicago in 1959 and on January 16, 1960 he married his best friend's, and soon to be dental partner, Dr. Arthur Mates' sister, Rosemary Mates. Rosemary and Earl established residency in Apopka where he practiced dentistry his entire career charitably caring for his patients. He is survived by his amazing wife Rosemary of 52 years. He is also survived by his two sisters, Sister Bernadette Maier, OSU and Shirley Sloth. Earl and Rosemary had nine children. His second born child, Philip J. Maier, DDS preceded him in death in 2007. Joyfully his remaining eight children, wife and two sisters finish off this salutation with their chosen thoughts or words. Rosemary Maier, "He was the most simple and complicated man I ever knew and loved." Sister Bernadette Maier, OSU, "MY BROTHER, THE BEST OF THEM ALL!" "Earl my brother, was a man of integrity, kindness and exceptional generosity. A wonderful human being. He will be greatly missed." Shirley Sloth, "He was a kind and loving brother, very special to me. My children and husband all had fun times with Uncle Earl and loved him." Earl Maier, "One who exhibited a spirit of love, joy, peace, forebearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control." Philip J Maier (preceded in death). Bruce Maier, "Go for it." Caroline Maier, "Got you gas, oil changed, brakes, tires rotated. Don't be late. And have fun." Mindy Maier, "Our precious popsey." Robert Maier, "From the first recollection of my existence dad was my hero! He inspires me to continually strive to be the most well rounded individual that he was and could ever be. Dad would do anything for anyone." Martin Maier, "Dad we lost 70% of you the moment Phil died. The last bit of you faded away over this last year. Enjoy your presence in the Beatific Vision we all know you strived for and need! Rest finally, my dear father." Bernadette Maier, "Righty tighty, left loosie. I already miss your 'did you knows?' and always walking me to my car." Elliot Maier, "Remember when things get tough or go wrong, stay strong and try to fix it yourself. It will make you a better person." Following is a final excerpt from my sister Bernadette who along with all the others took care of our father, husband, uncle, grandfather and brother Earl in his waning years. April 20, 2012, It's four in the morning and I've been here a couple of nights at Hermitage Dr. while Caroline is in Colorado. Dad called me on the baby monitor to ask what kind of towel is hanging in the bathroom. I grab the towel and he proceeds to wipe urine off himself and simply says, "okay thanks." Of course mom gets up and asks if all is okay, I said, "of course, just wet." He explains to mom that he just needed a towel. Mom says, "how about those pads when you pee Earl?, dad says, 'when it's flying here and there,' as he motions wildly, 'you can't.' Mom says, okay I see." She's so smart and knows there is obviously no need in explaining to her husband of 52 years something simple he won't get because of her beloved husband's dementia. Wow. I've known his mind is going but this is my moment!! My dad's slipping and we've all discussed it, it hurts! My mom cries all the time reminiscing about things. I keep an upper stiff lip, almost cruel, because who can handle more emotions now! Dad's half eaten cheese sandwich fell on the floor while helping him out of bed so I could change linens. After I get him changed and back to bed he says, "only a couple more hours." "Yes," I reply. He is afraid to fall asleep for too long and die. I ask, "How about a new grilled cheese sandwich?" "If mom won't get mad," he replies. Of course not silly. He's so sweet and thankful and I'm so blessed with my wonderful parents! God give me continued strength to take care of them and myself for all involved. A private Funeral Mass for immediate family, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren will be celebrated at a later date at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 834 South Orange Blossom Trail Apopka, FL 32703-6560 407-886-4602. In lieu of Flowers or any other gestures, Dr. Maier and Rosemary have requested financial or any other gestures be made to St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Apopka in Dr. Maier's remembrance.

Dr. Earl Joseph Maier

July 21, 1933 - July 2, 2012