Michael J. Maler

Michael James "Mike" Maler, age 50, of West, passed away Monday, April 14, 2014 at his residence. A rosary and funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption, with Rev. Ed Karasek officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday at Aderhold Funeral Home. Mike was born December 13, 1963 in Waco, the son of James and Elizabeth Jean (Deiterman) Maler. He attended St. Mary's School and was a 1982 graduate of West High School. He was a four year varsity letterman for Trojan football, and was on the team that went to the state semifinals. Mike was All-District Football, Super Centex Football honoree, State Champion Powerlifter, and member of the Letterman's Club. He then attended Navarro Junior College and graduated in 1984 with an Associates Degree in Radio and Television. Mike also attended North Texas State University in Denton. He grew up working at Maler Texaco and worked as a Disc Jockey for several of the night clubs in Waco over the years. He loved music, attending concerts, sports memorabilia, history, and reading the newspapers. Mike was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West. He was also a member of S.P.J.S.T. Lodge 54 and K.J.T. Society #31 both in West. Mike is preceded in death by his father, James Maler; his grandparents, Clement and Rose Deiterman and Albert and Jimmie Dae Maler. Survivors include his mother, Jean Maler of West; two sisters, Sharon Rios and husband Bobby of Aquilla and Susan Reams and husband Robert of Henrietta; two brothers, David Maler and wife Wendy and Kevin Maler and wife Jeanette, all of West; nieces and nephews, B. J. Rios, Richard Rios and wife Patricia, Kristina Loya and husband Jay, Christopher Rios, Lauren Adkins, Jenna Maler, Jarred Maler, Lexi Maler, and one boy on the way; six great nieces and nephews, and many other relatives and friends. Active pallbearers are Robert Peterson, Alan Keen, Darrell Picha, B. J. Rios, Donald Holzmann, Todd Freeman, Doug Maler, and Johnny Maler. Honorary pallbearers are the West High School Class of 1982. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Mary's Food Pantry and The History of West Museum.