"I met Bill thru Gene Bell back in 1991. He had a sense of humor that I enjoyed. The last few times I spoke with Bill was at Gene's funeral (he spoke and shared memories), and once again not long before he had to move from his home on 8th. You were one of a kind, and I'm sure you, Gene, Jim Ford, and Mr. Beckley are spinning tall tales and playing music together. God's Speed my friend "
In loving memory of
William E Maher
October 13, 1947 - November 12, 2016
WILLIAM MAHER
MUSCATINE, Iowa - William "Bill" Maher, 69, of Muscatine, passed away on Saturday, November 12, 2016, at Premier Estates Muscatine.
Celebration of Life will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, November 18, 2016, at the V.F.W. located at 1415 Grandview Avenue, following the committal service at 2 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery. Military Honors provided by the combined squads of the American Legion Post 27 and the V.F.W. Post 1565. Memorials may be made in care of Kelly Maher. Online condolences: www.wittichfuneralhome.com
William was born October 13, 1947, in Muscatine, the son of Joseph Glenn and Wilma Grace Odell Maher. He married Karen Lamoreux in June of 1971, in Las Vegas, Neveda. They divorced in 1983.
William graduated from Hayes Catholic High School and attended St. Ambrose College for one year before joining the U.S. Army.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in Vietnam. He was a recipient of several medals including the Purple Heart. He retired from North Star Steel after 25 years.
Bill enjoyed fishing, painting, writing and reading Shakespeare. He was an artist and his paintings can be seen all over Muscatine. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan. Most of all he loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Those left to honor his memory include his children, William L.C. Maher and fiancé Joellen Weikert, of Muscatine, Ranae Fenner and husband Mark of Blue Grass, Kelly Maher and Ryan Wolfensperger, Waverly, Felicia Keck and husband Dennis, Jocelyn McFate and husband Daniel both of Muscatine; 16 grandchildren, Nyles, Syd and Isabel Fenner, Jonnee and Sullivan Sulzberger, Elizabeth, William and Maxwell Keck, Lydia, Sophia and Declan Maher, Tatum Kemper, David and Adella Dalbey and Simon and Mya McFate; one great-grandson Samuel David Gedde; one sister, Frances Christensen of Meridian, Idaho; one brother, Joseph Maher and his wife, Leilehua of Oceanside, California.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Thomas Maher.
Tributes
"Very sorry to hear of Bill passing My thoughts and prayers go out to all. Bill and i shared many good times together. We worked together, Caught a few fish, and on occasion had a beer. Bill was a good friend and had many talents."
"Very sad to hear of Bill`s passing.Bill was a great neighborhood friend in our younger days. we have many great memories together."
"My love thoughts and prayers go out to you all in this very sad time. R.I.P. Bill until we meet again. "
"So sorry to hear this news. Unfortunately I'll be in Florida so I won't be able to attend the Celebration of Life. Condolences to everyone. "
"So sorry to hear about Bill passing. What a great man he was, and I am sure the stories that will be shared will be just as awesome as he was. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs!"
"Sorry to hear of Bill's passing. My thoughts are with you all at this very hard time. May all the good memories bring you comfort in the days ahead."
"Firstly, I want to thank both Bill and Joe for their service to our country. The Mahers, Bill and Joe and I grew up together. I knew and ran with them both during both my elementary and high school years. During the 70's and 80's Bill and I saw and hung with each other quite a bit. During my singing years and Bill's broadcasting years, I did a show with Bill on the local cable network. We talked about my years as a performer and Bill's as an artist. Let's just say, we both led an interesting life and had many friends to help us through those years. RIP my friend! You will be missed by all who knew you!"
"I remember the Maher family as I grew up on Lucas Street. Bill was a GREAT person and my condolences. Sad to lose anther WEST HILL member. Hg"
"I was a high school classmate of Bill. We were good friends all through high school. I was 17 & a junior when the Muscatine Police stopped me for excessive muffler noise on my 57 Ford. Bill was with me & the Police said to follow them down to the station. They required the $15 fine to be paid immediately. Bill & I had 2 cents between us. I convinced them to let me go the Dairy Queen Brazier Burger to see another classmate of ours, Bill Wieskamp, to borrow the money for the fine. I guess Bill was my collateral they held to make sure I came back. My condolences to all Bill's family in your loss. Hand salute to my fellow Vietnam Veteran. May you RIP."