In loving memory of

Maurice Bernard Furlong
December 25, 1917 - April 11, 2018

MAURICE FURLONG
MUSCATINE, Iowa - Maurice Bernard Furlong, 100, of rural Muscatine, passed away on Wednesday, April 11, 2018, at Simpson Memorial Home, West Liberty.

A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 16, 2018, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, 107 West Sixth Street, West Liberty. The Reverend Greg Steckel will officiate. A time of food and fellowship will follow the mass at the parish hall. Burial will then take place in St. Malachy Cemetery, Ardon. Military Honors will be provided by the Combined Squads of the American Legion Post # 27 and the V.F.W. Post #1565.

Visitation will be from 2 until 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 15, 2018, at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to St. Malachy's Cemetery Association or the Letts Fire Department.

Maurice was born on Christmas day 1917, on the family farm in Seventy-six Township, Muscatine County, the son of Joseph and Margaret Nolan Furlong. He attended Letts High School for three years and graduated from St. Mathias High School in 1935.

He was a World War II veteran serving 3 ½ years on LST's in the US Navy participating in the invasion of Sicily. He made 15 round trips across the Mediterranean ferrying American, French, and British troops, equipment and supplies from North Africa to Sicily and Italian POW's back. He then was involved in the invasions of Italy and Normandy. He completed his service in postwar China with the rank of Chief.

He married Genevieve Carroll on June 14, 1947, and they farmed and raised a family in Seventy-six Township. She preceded him in death on November 3, 2011.

He had a 100 head purebred Hereford cow herd selling bulls and 4-H calves. He was a member of the former St. Malachy's Church of Ardon, a rural school board member, 4-H leader, VFW and American Legion member, founding member of the Board of Directors of Peoples National Bank, Columbus Junction (now Community Bank), past member of Muscatine County Cattleman's Association and the Muscatine County Pork Producers, township trustee and lifelong member of Iowa Hereford Breeders Association. He believed a person should be involved in making their community a better place to live.

He had a love of local, state, and national politics. Coming of age during the Great Depression he was an FDR loyalist, a delegate for Hubert Humphrey at the state convention and hosted Vice President Walter Mondale on the farm.

He enjoyed animal husbandry and taking truckloads of fat cattle to the Chicago stockyards.

Those left to honor his memory include; five sons, Joe, Tom and wife, Becky, of Letts, Patrick and wife, Debbie, of Temecula, California, Dan and wife, Suzy, of Prescott, Arizona, and William and wife, Meg, of Iowa City; one daughter, Maureen Daley and husband, Tim, of New Hartford; 14 grandchildren, Andrea and Jessica Furlong, Lucas, Jacob and Ezekiel Furlong, Patrick Furlong, Bryce, Karen and Doug Furlong, Meaghan, Erin and Sean Daley, and Anna and Ned Furlong; and four great-grandchildren.

Maurice was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; one son, Jerry, in 1981; brothers, James, Edward, and Leo; and sisters, Monica Furlong and Alice Noll.

Tributes

Dean Brand wrote on Apr 16, 2018:

"Maurice was a great person and our sympathy and prayers are with all of you. He did so much to support the 4-H program and I always enjoyed working with him when I was working for S/M Service. He will certainly be missed. Dean Brand"

Kate wrote on Apr 13, 2018:

"Tom, Becky, Luke, Jake & Zeke ?- our family sends our deepest sympathy at the loss of your father and grandfather. He lived a long and productive life, and his legacy lives on in his family. May your memories console you and your entire family now and in the future. Love, Don & Kate Ewoldt"

Diane Kathrein Watch wrote on Apr 12, 2018:

"Another one of America?s Greatest Generation has left us. No matter how old they are, the loss of a parent is tough. Bill and Meg, so sorry to hear of your father?s passing."

Jean Erickson wrote on Apr 12, 2018:

"I was sorry to hear of Maurice's passing. He had a great long life and you had a great chance to enjoy all the years together. Take care during this difficult time. Jean (Busch) Erickson"

Pat Cassabaum wrote on Apr 11, 2018:

"Maureen, I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time."

Heidi Anderson wrote on Apr 11, 2018:

"Joe I?m so sorry for the loss of your father, you are I?m my thoughts and prayers."

tasha douthit wrote on Apr 11, 2018:

"to all Maurice's children I am so sorry to hear of his passing . I took care of him when home instead would go to his house . I really liked listing to his stories and jokes . he will be missed Rip maurice"

Mary Call wrote on Apr 11, 2018:

"Some of my best memories were going to visit cousins on Furlong farm. He loved my Aunt and my mother very much. He had a strong spirit full of conviction for his beliefs. He loved to have long visits with friends and family. Thank you to his children for keeping him so active around town for so long. Thinking of you all and praying for peace! He really was an amazing man. Love Mary (Busch) Call The world needs more souls like his. "