MAHAFFEY, M. Russell, Dr. 1925-2014

MAHAFFEY, WILKES, WATERMAN, EBERLE, ADKINS

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 6/4/2014 at 00:28:17

#1:

OSAGE, IOWA - Dr. M. Russell Mahaffey, 89, died on June 3, 2014, at Osage Rehab, Osage.

Services are incomplete with Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar.

Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar. 641-713-4920. www.schroederandsites.com .

Source: Mason City Globe Gazette, 4 JUN 2014
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#2:

OSAGE, IOWA - Dr. M. Russell Mahaffey, 88, of Osage, died on June 3, 2014, at Osage Rehab, Osage, Iowa.

Funeral service will be June 14, 2014, at 11 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar, with the Rev. Dr. Byron Northwick officiating.

Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery, Riceville. Military Honors will be conducted by the Walter T. Enneberg Post No. 358 of the American Legion.

Visitation is scheduled for Friday, June 13, 2014, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar.

Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar. 641-713-4920. www.schroeder&sites.com .

Source: Mason City Globe Gazette - 7 JUN 2014
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#3:

Russell Mahaffey

Born: October 17, 1925
Died: June 3, 2014

Funeral Service:
Saturday, June 14 11 AM
Immanuel Lutheran Church

Burial:
Saturday, June 14
Riverside Cemetery, Riceville, Iowa

Obituary:

Russell was born October 17, 1925 in Riceville, Iowa to Jesse H. and Amy V. (Wilkes) Mahaffey. Shortly after his birth they moved to New London, Iowa, later to Tripoli, Iowa, and by the time he was 3 ½ they had moved to Eagle Grove, Iowa. In the fall of 1930 Russell entered kindergarten and finished 7th grade in 1938 when they moved to Storm Lake, Iowa, where he finished grades 8-12 and graduated in 1943.

In April of 1943 Russell enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He was trained as a bombardier/navigator and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in 1945. The war ended in Europe and he was assigned to train bombardiers who had not completed their 50 missions in Europe in the new twin engine bomber the A-26. He was honorably discharged through the Sioux City Army Air Corps base.

Russell was united in marriage to Bonnie June Waterman on February 7, 1946, to this union three children were born; Michael W. (Patti) Mahaffey, Rachael Mahaffey and Heidi Mahaffey (Tom) Nelson. He graduated from Buena Vista College in 1948 and began teaching in Early, Ia. While at Early he began his Masters Degree at the University of South Dakota. In 1951 he moved to Jewel, Iowa, where he served as High School Principle and taught math. In 1953 he accepted a High School Superintendent position at Hospers, Iowa. He received his Masters Degree in 1953 from the U. of S.D.

In 1956 he moved to Mapleton as Supt. of schools at both Hospers and Mapleton where he also served as Elementary Principal at both schools. In 1959 he was offered Elementary Principle at Sioux City, Iowa. In 1963 he was offered a position as Supt. at Clarke Comm. School, Osceola, Ia. Russell became Supt of Schools at East Green Schools, Grand Junction, Iowa, where he was for nine years. While there he received his PH. D. from Iowa State University in 1972. In 1975 he was hired at AEA 5 as Assistant Adm. Dir. Of Other Services, Business Mgr. and Chief Negotiator for AEA Board.

Russell was united in marriage to E. A. Eberle in 1978. In 1979 he was hired as Supt at Crete-Monee Public Schools, Crete, Illinois. In 1981 he joined AFLAC as an agent and purchased an insurance business in Jefferson, Iowa. In 1984 he became Supt at Plainfield, Iowa. In 1985 he became Supt at Prescott, Iowa, where he served for nine years. In 1988 they purchased a cottage and Colbalt boat at Clear Lake, Iowa. In 1992 they purchased a home in Laberton, Minnesota. In 1996 they moved to Byron, Minnesota, then to Rochester, Minnesota, then to Springfield, Missouri, then Mason City, Iowa, Rochester, Minnesota, St. Ansgar, Iowa and Osage, Iowa.

Russell was an Emeritu Member of the American Assoc. of School Administrators and a life member of Iowa Assoc. of School Administrators. From 1975-1976 he served as President of Area 5 Supt. Assoc. He refereed for over 30 years as a football and basketball official in high school and college. In 1995 he was inducted into the Iowa Athletic Coaches Assoc. Basketball Hall of Fame.

Russell had been a lifetime member of the American Legion since 1945, as well as a lifetime member of Disabled American Veterans. He was a longtime member of Lion’s and Rotary, serving two years as Lion’s President and 16 years as Rotary song leader. He sang in many church choirs and directed the Methodist Church Choir for three years as was also lay leader of Grand Junction Methodist Church. He served I.G.H.S. Athletic Rep. Board. He served 3 years on the B.V.U. National Alumni Board.

Russell was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar, where he greatly enjoyed Rev. Dr. Byron Northwick and his biblical knowledge. He also became good friends with Dr. Harold Salem of Aberdeen, South Dakota., and enjoyed the fellowship of Pastor Gary Gonnerman. Russell was led to the Lord by the personal influence of three people; Andrew Jurriaans, Rev. A. Hellenga and Rev. T. W. Wilson.

A special joy to Russell was having Chris Adkins in his life of the last 23 years. Every time he had been in the hospital, Chris had stayed with him the entire time. Since 1994 they had enjoyed trips to Hawaii, Branson, Mo. (many times), Kansas City and northern Minnesota.

Russell was blessed with seven wonderful grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Source: Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home website.

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