Carl Martin Mauer, age 88 of Auburn, IA, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, February 2, 2026.

   Carl was born on November 29, 1937, in Sac County, IA, to Martin and Velma (Stout) Mauer. He grew up on a farm outside Sac City and attended country school through the 8th grade. After the family moved into town, Carl graduated from Sac City High School. He was baptized on February 6, 1944, and confirmed on June 3, 1951, both at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Sac City.

   Following high school, Carl attended Morningside College in Sioux City for a few years. On November 16, 1957, he married his high school sweetheart, Janet Campbell, at First Christian Church in Sac City. Together they were blessed with three children: Lisa, Martin, and Rusty. The couple made their home in Sac City, where Carl worked alongside his father at Mauer Construction before eventually starting his own business, naming it Carl Mauer & Son Tiling and Excavation—a legacy that continues today through his son Marty and grandson Nick.

   Carl and Janet shared a deep love for dancing and were well known at local dancehalls. They also taught country western and line dancing and enjoyed traveling, taking many memorable trips together. Carl obtained his pilot’s license and proudly flew his family on several trips when the children were young. In 1998, Janet passed away unexpectedly, and Carl retired shortly thereafter.

   In 1999, Carl married Kathleen (Heim) King. They lived on the lake in Lake View for a time before settling on an acreage outside of Auburn. Carl and Kathy cherished their winters in Alamo, TX, spending nearly seven months of each year in the warm southern climate. Carl loved golfing, playing cards with their Texas friends, and continuing to dance regularly with Kathy. Together they traveled to Hawaii, Rome, Alaska, Australia, and went on numerous cruises. Never one to sit still, Carl also spent several years delivering motorhomes across the country—a job he enjoyed because it allowed him to see new places with Kathy by his side.

   Carl was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. A hard worker with a gift for conversation, he could strike up a friendly chat with anyone he met. He loved his family deeply, and time spent with them brought him great joy. He will be dearly missed by his family and by all who knew and loved him.

   Survivors include his wife, Kathy of Auburn, IA; daughter Lisa (Lynn) Mohr and Marty (Lori) Mauer both of Lake View, IA; grandchildren: Nicole (Adam) Loux, Kayla (Steve) Jacobs, Ashley (Austin) Trueblood, Nick (Hayley) Mauer, Heidi (Wade) Handlos, and Preston Mauer (Emma Segebart); great-grandchildren: Ethan and Erik Loux, Quinn and Kelsey Jacobs, Kohen and Kamryn Trueblood, Grayson and Elin Mauer, Cam and Wesley Handlos, and Baylee Mauer; other extended family members and friends.

   Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Velma Mauer; wife Janet Mauer; son Rusty Mauer; sister Judy (Ron) Blair; parents-in-law Russell and Dolly Campbell; and sister-in-law Myrna (Jack) Jennett.