Mayo W. Chance

Mayo Wayne Chance 1925-2025

Funeral Services for Mayo Wayne Chance, 100, of Hoyt Lakes will be 11:00 a.m. Monday at Redeemer Lutheran Church with Pastor Zachary Klumpp officiating. Visitation will be 3 – 5 pm Sunday at Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Aurora and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Burial with military honors accorded by the Aurora/Hoyt Lakes Color guard will be in the Hoyt Lakes Memorial Cemetery.

Mayo peacefully passed away on August 13, 2025 in Aurora, Minnesota. He was born to Delbert and Juanita Chance in Eldora, Iowa on July 21, 1925. He was raised in the Union, Iowa area and graduated from Union High School. Upon graduation he joined the WW II effort by enlisting in US Navy and did two tours in the Pacific theater. After the war, Mayo returned to Iowa and found work with Solar Aircraft in Des Moines. While working for Solar Aircraft he acquired his Commercial Pilots License. At that time, he also met the woman who would become his wife of seventy years, Darlene Jesse. The young couple were married and started their family with the arrival of Robert and a year later with twins David and Deborah. In 1957 Solar Aircraft moved their operation. Mayo and Darlene decided to stay in the mid-west and moved their family to the Minnesota Iron Range to work in the taconite industry. Two more children were born in Minnesota, Donna and later Duane.

After 33 years working for Erie/LTV Steel, Mayo retired in 1990. In retirement Mayo and Darlene enjoyed traveling throughout the United States. While at home in Hoyt Lakes they were avid card players with their many friends around town and active members of the Senior Center. Mayo was also a dedicated hunter and fisherman frequently enjoying trips to Canada. He was a member of the Hoyt Lakes VFW and enjoyed playing softball. They were active in their church, Redeemer Lutheran in Aurora, where Mayo served as a trustee for many years. In their later years Mayo was a dedicated caregiver to Darlene. After Darlene’s passing’ Mayo eventually moved to the Care Free assisted living in Aurora. At 98 years of age, Mayo was recognized for his service to country with an Honor Flight to visit the WW II Memorial in Washington DC. He recently celebrated his 100th birthday.

Mayo was preceded in death by his wife Darlene, son David, daughter Deborah. He is survived by his son Robert (Kathleen), daughter Donna Sarppo (Gary), son Duane, son in law Al Hansen, grandchildren Cole, Jade, Carol, Jasmine, great grandchildren Andrew, Evelyn and many nieces and nephews.

Memorials can be sent to Honor Flight Northland, 4535 Airport Approach Road, Duluth, MN 55811.