Calvin W. Maier

Calvin (Cal) Wesley Maier, 89, of Jim Falls, WI, passed away on June 14, 2025 at Dove Healthcare Bloomer, surrounded by loved ones.

Cal was born on June 22, 1935 in Chippewa Falls, WI to Wesley and Mary (Dunlap) Maier. He graduated from Chippewa Falls Area High School with the class of 1953. After high school, Cal enlisted in the United States Army and served two years in Germany. After service to his country, Cal returned home and attended Iowa State University where he earned an associate degree in food science.

On May 10th, 1958 Cal married the love of his life, Eunice. During the early years of their marriage, Cal worked for the USDA as a dairy plant inspector in several different locations. The two started a family and had the first three of their six children while living away from western Wisconsin.

In 1966, Cal realized his lifelong dream of buying a dairy farm close to his parents in Anson Township. He and Eunice had three additional children after moving to the farm. Cal operated his farm for nearly 40 years before turning the business over to two of his sons in 2005. That year he and Eunice returned to the farm of his childhood. He continued to help his sons on the family farm, as well as tend a herd of beef cattle at his farm for many more years. He was able to stay at his lifelong home until November 2024.

Cal was also a lifetime member of Jim Falls United Methodist Church, where he and many of his children were baptized. He was a member of the Jim Falls Lions Club, helping each year with the annual Sturgeon Festival.

He was an FFA member and alumni, serving many years on the steering committee for Chi-Hi agricultural programing. He and Eunice were 4-H leaders for many years, serving on the local, county and state levels. Cal was particularly proud of being a founding committee member of the Chippewa County Quality Meat Animal program that continues today to support 4-H and FFA youth. Cal was always very involved in the community and an active member of numerous organizations, especially those supporting youth in agriculture.

Cal was an avid registered Holstein breeder who took pride in the herd of cattle he developed over the years. He belonged to the Chippewa County Holstein Breeders Association. Cal also served on the county and state DHIA boards of directors, receiving recognition for 50 years of service to the organization. In their later years, Cal and Eunice very much enjoyed activities with the Wisconsin Master Farmers.

Cal lived a full and active life, serving his community and chosen occupation. He also loved his family and friends. Cal and Eunice made friends everywhere they lived and continued those friendships for many, many years.

Cal is survived by his loving wife, Eunice Maier; his children, Tammy (Duane) Knuth, Tom Maier, Shari (Kevin) Polzin, Steve (Janet) Maier, Mary Maier-Abel (Steven Abel), and Tim Maier (special friend Melinda Whitt); his grandchildren, Katie (Ervin) Tuschel, Kent (Samantha) Knuth, Kari (Dennis) Helfert, Kyle (Jessica) Polzin, Kole (Courtney) Polzin, Tyler (Emily) Maier, Alissa Maier, Jacob Maier, Taylor Abel, and Tommy Abel; his great-grandchildren, Arabella, Ervin, Calli Jo, Autumn, Drake and Abram; along with many other beloved family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley and Mary Maier; his only sister and her husband, Janet and Clarence Cheever, four loving sisters-in-law, and his granddaughter, Miranda Abel.

Visitation for Cal will take place on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 from 4-7:30 p.m. at the Jim Falls United Methodist Church. Funeral services will take place at 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 19th 2025, with visitation one hour prior. Pastor Paul Messmer will officiate. Cal will be laid to rest immediately following the service at Copp Cemetery in rural Jim Falls, WI.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of Dove Healthcare Bloomer Nursing Home and Assisted living for the care and compassion provided to Cal throughout his stay.