Linus MAURER

MAURER, Linus Cartoonist, Painter, Humorist, and Puzzle Writer, died at age 90 on January 29, 2016. Linus was born January 15 1926, in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, the third child of Nick and Ella Maurer. Linus knew at an early age that he wanted to be a cartoonist. Inspired by the Sunday comics he started drawing his own cartoons while sitting on the porch - an early foreshadowing of a creative career in which he not only became a successful syndicated cartoonist, artist, and art director, including TV commercials, but also created products and syndicated puzzles. After graduating High School, Linus enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving four years aboard the USS Corregidor, an aircraft carrier in Pacific Fleet during World War II. After serving in the Navy, Linus pursued his dream of becoming a cartoonist and enrolled in the Minneapolis School of Art where he developed his craft. Upon graduating with an Art degree Linus worked as a cartoon instructor where we met and became good friends with Charles Schultz. In the 1960s Linus moved across country to work at Wells Fargo in San Francisco. After a successful career as an Art Director his entrepreneurial spirit ensued and he moved to Sonoma to focus on his cartoons and paint. During this time he created an editorial cartoon for the Sonoma Index-Tribune, developed his signature whimsical style, and met his longtime companion, Mary Jo Starsiak. Linus succeeded with creativity, wit and indomitable initiative. Linus was admired by all who knew him for his vivacious spirit, humor and resilience. He was lover of comedy, art and food, he loved to get his sandwiches at the Glen Ellen Market and Sonoma Market and loved finding humor in the little things in life. While struggling with Parkinson's and heart problems Linus inspired us with his sharp wit and vibrate sense of humor and continued to draw cartoons. Despite his illness creativity continued to flow. He was grateful for the V.A. Hospital in San Francisco which gave him excellent care. Linus died peacefully in his sleep on January 29. He will always be remembered. A private memorial Mass for Linus is being celebrated at St. Francis Solano Church. Later on in the spring, there will be a Linus Maurer Celebration Day. Information will be posted in the Sonoma Index-Tribune.