A. Michael Maurer

Michael Maurer died unexpectedly November 17, 2023 at his home in Hood River, Oregon.  Michael was born in Hood River to Albert and Cletamay Maurer January 2, 1944.  He grew up in the Hood River Valley on his parents’ fruit, cattle, chicken and hog farm, where he often walked to the Hood River after school to fish.  He graduated from Wy East High School in 1962 where he wrestled in high school, then went to Lewis and Clark College in Portland and was a first-generation college graduate with a degree in business administration.  He moved to Los Angeles, California to work in the insurance industry then took a 9-month sabbatical to backpack across Europe.  He returned to California and worked in the banking industry where he met and would marry the love of his life, Suzanne Strickler.  While in California he was also a reserve Manhattan Beach Police officer. 

Michael and Suzanne were married in 1970 in California and 2 years later, moved to his hometown, Hood River, Oregon where they owned and operated an apple and pear orchard for the next 6 years.  He also worked as a reserve deputy for Hood River City Police Department. During this time, he went back to college and got his teaching degree and taught fifth grade math at May Street Elementary.  While teaching, he got his real estate license and started his career at Glenn Taylor Real Estate, which would lead him to eventually opening up Mountain Valley Properties and later franchising and owning 4 real estate offices in Hood River, OR, Gresham, OR, White Salmon, WA and Stevenson WA.  He obtained his contractor’s license and built a beautiful home for Suzanne and himself to live out the rest of their life in.  Eventually he was forced into early retirement due to illness.  He then enjoyed woodworking of all types, cooking and fixing anything that needed fixed and even wrote a children’s book.  He was very passionate about growing things in his garden and loved fresh tomatoes.

Michael was an Elks member, served his community with 8 years on Hood River City Council and became Mayor of Hood River in the 80’s.  He went to church religiously when his parents were alive and was a deacon and elder at Hood River Valley Christian Church where all three of his kids were baptized.

Michael loved his family and spending time with them.  He and Suzanne had three children and Michael took the family camping regularly in the summer where he taught them how to fish.  The family still goes up camping to family property and he created a legacy of good times.  Additionally, he and Suzanne were ski patrol members at Cooper Spur and they took the kids up every Sunday in the winter to ski.  If you came to the Maurer house as a friend of the kids, you were guaranteed to laugh at his antics which could include many things and possibly a good scare with a Halloween mask from time to time!  He never sat still and was always busy.  His love for family and kids passed on to his grandkids which he often said were the most beautiful girls he had ever seen.  He was kind and compassionate and always there for them.  He was incredibly proud of his family.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Cletamay Maurer and his Oldest sister, Alberta who died at 10 days old.

He is survived by his wife, Suzanne Maurer, children Monique Adams (Harry), Craig Maurer, Charmaine Fletcher (Branden) and his grandkids Lexie Schacht (Jesse), Gracie McCafferty (Trevor Cooper), Aurora Maurer and Anastasia Maurer, Great Grand Child Hudson Schacht and sister, Lindamay Woosley.

A private ceremony was held for immediate family on November 25, 2023. 

Flowers can be sent to Tammy Hall Floral in Hood River and will be delivered to the service.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.