Scott Alan "Scotty" Mayer

Scott "Scotty" Alan Mayer, 75, of Bemidji, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on March 2nd, 2026 at home surrounded by loved ones.

Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

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Scott Alan Mayer was born on February 11, 1951, in Bemidji, Minnesota, to Cleo Ann Schwartz (née Sorenson) and Donald "Buck" Mayer. He was raised in Bemidji and graduated from Bemidji High School in 1969.

Following high school, at just 18 years old, he entered active duty in the United States Army and served honorably as a Military Police soldier. Stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, he rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant and earned distinction as both an Expert and Marksman before transferring to the United States Army Reserve in 1972, completing his service obligation in 1975. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. His time in the service was a source of extreme pride and shaped his strong sense of duty and character, of which he will be remembered.

After returning home, Scott was a beloved bartender at Gene's Place for many years. Next moving to Wilton where he and his wife, Theresa Georgene Mayer (née Jones), owned/operated Papa's Country on Highway 2 before selling in 2001. After years of serving patrons Scott became familiar with those in the Bemidji community. Years later he worked at both the Northwestern Minnesota Juvenile Center and Oshki Manidoo before fully retiring in 2025 due to health issues. Scott was known for his commitments to many jobs over his lifetime.

Scott will be remembered for his strong work ethic, sense of humor, generosity, love of the Vikings, excellent storytelling and love of family.

He is survived by wife Theresa Mayer, children Christina Mayer, William Jones, siblings Greg (Tammy) Mayer, Joe (Lynne) Mayer, Jeffrey Mayer, Debbie (Jim) Little, Lavonne (Russ) Gilbertson, mother Cleo Schwartz, grandchildren Austin Jones, Tristen Thompson, Dominick Torgeson, Allison Ramsey; countless nieces, nephews, friends and family.

He was preceded in death by father Buck Mayer, step-father Gene Schwartz, brother Terry Mayer, daughter Tammy Jungwirth.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs