John W. Mulcahy 1919~2009

MULCAHY, KEEFE, ARENDS

Posted By: Mary (email)
Date: 6/27/2009 at 06:56:33

Courtesy of the Ottumwa Courier June 27, 2009

John Mulcahy
OTTUMWA — John W. Mulcahy, 89, died the morning of June 24, 2009, at the home of his son Dan in Ottumwa, Iowa.He was born Sept. 19, 1919, in Ottumwa to Dennis M. and Ethel N. Mullins Mulcahy. In 1946, he married Mary Patricia Keefe. He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #3, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #775 and National Association of Retired Veterans of Burlington Northern Railroad. He was a Conductor for Burlington Northern for 46 years before retiring in 1985. John served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during World War II. Awarded during his service were the World War II Victory Medal, European-African Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbon, two Bronze Battle Stars, two Overseas Bars, The Good Conduct Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal, Germany.John supported many charitable organizations including: United Farm Workers, Salvation Army, Southern Poverty Law Center and the Red Cloud Indian School of Pine Ridge, S.D.Surviving are three daughters, Patricia Ann Mulcahy of Iowa City, Margaret Ruth Arends of Ottumwa, Kathleen Bridget Mulcahy of Coralville; five sons, Joseph Arthur (Robin) Mulcahy, Daniel Kevin (Lynn) Mulcahy, both of Ottumwa, Terrance William (Julie) Mulcahy of Seattle, Wash., Steven Robert (Linda) Mulcahy of Ottumwa and Peter John (Gary) Mulcahy of Long Beach, Calif.; 17 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; a son, Thomas Edward and a daughter, Mary Elizabeth.John donated his body to the University of Iowa College of Medicine.Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army.Pop lived a life of laughter, service and travel. He loved his family and the family of man. He respected and honored the Earth and took wonderful care of the land that he loved. We will miss you and will tell your stories to generations to come.Memorial services will be held at a later date.Johnson's Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.