He married the love of his life Donna M. Fritz on December 23, 1951. Together they had two children. He lived his entire life in Davenport.
His first job at age 12 was at the local drugstore on East 12th Street around the corner from the family home on College Avenue (telling the employer he was 15). He worked for Iowa-Illinois Gas and Electric Company digging ditches and as a milkman for Downing Bros. Dairy in his early career. He then worked for Alcoa Davenport Works in the steel mill, retiring in 1992 after 32 years. He then worked part-time for Burke’s Cleaners retiring for a second time after 23 years. He was an extremely hard worker and instilled a strong work ethic in his children. His advice was to “show up every day and do your best.”
He served his country for two years during the Korean Conflict, stationed in Germany. He was a gunner in the Army serving in Battery A of the 50th Field Artillery Battalion and achieved the rank of corporal.
In his middle adult years he took up running, competing in a number of local 5k races and also enjoyed woodworking, crafting the kitchen cabinets in his own home. He and Donna belonged to couples card club and many bowling leagues through the years. He was an avid golfer, playing well into retirement. The last few years he joined CASI and very much looked forward to playing euchre on Wednesday and Friday afternoons. He enjoyed visiting the casinos and added to his winnings on the last visit.
He was a true football fan with a love for the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He knew the rules of the game and was the family’s go-to for explanation and analysis of the plays. He was a great storyteller and entertained the family with many tales from his youth. He was also helpful to friends and neighbors and a handyman who could fix most anything around the house.
He was preceded in death by his wife Donna, parents, Thomas and Adele (Larssen) Mahoney, siblings Irene York, Margie Sprague, Josephine (Sis) Sprague, Tommy Mahoney, Jr., and Johnny Mahoney.
He is survived by daughters Susan (Gaylon) Rorick and Pamela Winters; grandsons Douglas (Cally) Broughton, Nicholas Broughton and Curt Winters and great grandchildren Cira, Cayla, Camry and Chase Broughton, brother-in-law Donald Fritz, and special friends Jerry Carroll, Dorothy Small, and Sharon Shope.
Visitation will be held from 1:00-4:00 p.m. on Friday, November 17, at the Runge Mortuary. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 18, at the mortuary. He will be laid to rest in Davenport Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to CASI. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rungemortuary.com.
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal. ~Irish Saying
