Dr. John E. Mayer, Jr. 86 of Traverse City passed away peacefully on Friday, September 15, 2017. John was born in Crystal Lake, IL to the late John and Josephine (Welisek) Mayer. He was married to Polly on February 27, 1985 in Greensburg, PA. John honorably served his country in the U.S. Army. He earned his doctorate from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His accomplished career included; Director of Engineering at Ford Motor Company, Program Director at the National Science Foundation in Washington DC, Professor Emeritus at Texas A & M University, Member of Cirp, Past President of the International Society of Manufacturing Engineers. Among his professional accomplishments, John had 60 scientific publications along with 92 presentations. He was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church.

John is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Polly, four daughters and two sons; Valerie (David) Abramouski, Leslie (Kurt) Davis, David (Leah) Mayer, Diane Hanlin, Deborah (Dennis) Pilon and Thomas (Christy) Dunigan, III, a sister, Joan Frett, 14 grandchildren; Andrew, Scott, Courtney, Christopher, August, Grant, Gregory, Lauren, Eric, Katherine, Thomas, IV, Monica, Julie and Emily. Also surviving are four great-grandchildren; Ryleigh, Grant, Michael and Weston.

John was preceded in death by a sister, Margaret Schroeder.

Friends are welcome to visit with John's family from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St, Traverse City, MI 49684.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m., with visiting one hour prior, on Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at St. Francis Catholic Church, 1025 S. Union St., Traverse City, MI 49684. Rev. Fr. Kenneth R. Stachnik will officiate. Burial will follow in Oakwood Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to St. Francis Catholic Church.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with John's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.