By: Diocese of Oakland
Father Walter W. Mayer, affectionately known to his family as “Father Bud,” passed away peacefully on Nov. 14, 2025, in Walnut Creek, California, at the age of 95.
Born in Chicago Heights, Illinois, on Jan. 13, 1930, he was the only son of the late Emma (née Hesseldenz) and Walter M. Mayer. A devoted servant of God and his country, Father Mayer was a proud graduate of Bloom Township High School in Chicago Heights and Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He honorably served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and found his true calling in the priesthood.
He attended seminary and was ordained a Catholic priest on May 30, 1959, in Joliet, Illinois. Father Mayer’s life was defined by a rich ministry spanning decades across two dioceses. His assignments in the Diocese of Joliet included roles as associate pastor at St. Raymond Cathedral and St. Patrick in Momence, spiritual director at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Lockport, and pastor of St. Jude in Joliet.
After moving to California, he continued his dedicated service in the Diocese of Oakland as an associate pastor at St. Mary in Walnut Creek and St. Felicitas in San Leandro. In his retirement, he continued to provide ministry at St. Michael in Livermore, St. Dominic in Benicia, and various senior living communities, including Carlton Senior Living in Concord and Pleasant Hill.
He lived by a simple, profound philosophy: “As God’s will is done each minute, He has graced my priesthood with His goodness and help through me to those in need. Each one of my assignments… has been a preparation for the duties of the next assignment. Now that I am retired, I am enjoying being a ‘Minute Man for God’ to the people of God in many parishes – whoever needs my priestly ministry this minute.”
Beyond his formal ministry, Father Bud will be fondly remembered for his adventurous spirit, a love of “tramping” (hiking), and his singular appreciation for Tabasco sauce.
He spent many happy hours camping in his “rig” along the beautiful California coast, finding solace and joy in nature. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter M. and Emma Mayer; his sisters Mary Frances (late Jack) Ferbrache and Cecilia (late Stephen) Wegrzyn; nephew Matthew Ferbrache; and grand nephew Michael Foster.
He is survived by his sister Margaret (late John) Ruszel, 26 nieces and nephews and a multitude of grand-nieces and nephews who cherished their “Father Bud.”
We invite you to join us in honoring Father Mayer’s remarkable life on Thursday, Dec. 4 at St. Dominic Church, 475 East I Street, Benicia, California on Thursday, Dec. 4. A rosary will be prayed at 10 a.m. and the Mass of Christian Burial begins at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Dominic Cemetery, East 5th Street and Hillcrest Avenue, Benicia, California.
Donations can be directed toward Doctors Without Borders or Catholic Relief Services or to a charity of your choice. Father Mayer regularly donated to a wide range of causes.