Dale Raymond Mayo

Dale Raymond Mayo, 69, passed away unexpectedly Nov. 9, 2026 in the township of Phelps.

Dale was born May 29, 1957 in Milwaukee to Raymond and Josephine Mayo. Dale grew up in Eagle River, where he attended school. Upon turning 18, Dale enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. Dale served until his honorary discharge in 1979.

Upon discharge, Dale returned home and wed Roberta Huff on July 18, 1981. The two settled in Conover, just a couple of miles up the road from his parents. There, they raised two children together. They were married 45 years before recently separating. 

Dale always had a passion for the outdoors and was an avid sportsman. He worked for a time for his father-in-law’s forestry products distribution business before joining the Vilas County Forestry Department in the mid 1990s. Dale became the county’s snowmobile trail coordinator, and eventually its parks and recreation supervisor — a position he held until his retirement in 2021. 

During and after his time with Vilas County, Dale served on the Wisconsin Governor's Snowmobile Recreation Council, serving as its chairperson for a time. He also served on the Conover town board from 2018 to 2024, serving as town chair from 2022-24.

Dale is survived by his ex-wife, Roberta; children Jeremy (Casey) Mayo and Sarah Zelten; siblings Deb (Scott) Varro, Dave (Kim) Mayo, Donna (Randy) Schneider; brother-in-law Brian Johnson; three grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and his hunting/cruising partner, Lady. 

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Jospehine, and sister Dawn Johnson. 

Visitation for Dale will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 19 at the Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home in Eagle River. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m., with deacon Skip McCaughn officiating.

Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed at gaffney-busha.com.