Harold J. Mahoney

SIOUX CITY | Harold J. Mahoney, 92, of Sioux City passed away Thursday, Feb. 8, 2018 surrounded by his family.

The funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, Feb. 12, 2018 at Mater Dei Parish Nativity Center with Father Gerald Feierfiel as the Celebrant. Military Honors will be conducted at the conclusion of the Mass. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia at a later date. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11th with the family present 6-8 p.m., a rosary recited at 4:30 p.m. and a vigil service at 7 p.m. at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel, 6200 Morningside Ave. Condolences may be offered online to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

  
Harold J. Mahoney was born to T. Frank and Edna Vivian O’Connor Mahoney in Geddes, SD, on April 19, 1925. He attended St. Ann’s Elementary School, and graduated from Geddes Public High School. He immediately enlisted in the Army, serving in the European Theater during WWII. He served with the Military Railroad Service, U.S. Army 744th Railroad Operating Battalion. Their ship was torpedoed by a German U-boat while they were in a convoy heading to England, but they survived. They proceeded to France to travel in train transports supporting General Patton’s advancement. Harold’s battalion was instrumental in supporting Allied troops and maintaining liberation of railroad yards. Harold was horrified, yet proud, to help liberate several concentration camps. He received the Good Conduct Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal/Germany, and the European/African/Middle Eastern Service Medal, making up his three battle stars. He was Honorably Discharged as a First Sergeant, and then served in the Army Railroad Reserve Battalion as a First Lieutenant. He continued throughout his life to serve on the National Defense Executive Reserve for the Interstate Commerce Commission In this capacity, Harold was in charge of all transportation (rail, air, water, and highway) from Montana to the West Coast in the event of a national disaster or emergency.

Harold started his career with the Milwaukee Railroad after serving in the Army in WW II. His occupations included: telegraph operator, dispatcher, train master, Special Assistant to the General Manager, and Assistant Superintendent. Harold’s final position at time of retirement was Special Project Director, disposing of all Milwaukee Railroad equipment. In his usual manner, he couldn’t REALLY retire, and continued on as a consultant for the Soo Line Railroad through his independent railroad consulting firm.

Harold’s hobbies included helping at Nativity Parish, volunteering for Fish Fry and Men’s Club activities, being a member of the American Legion of Sergeant Bluff Post 662, and woodworking (especially making toys for grandchildren and neighbors). He will be greatly missed by all for his stories, tall tales and laughter. All of the hardware stores in town will miss his business, and the neighbors will miss his assistance with their projects.

He is survived by his wife, Colleen Anders Mahoney, with whom he had just celebrated their 63rd Wedding Anniversary. Their children are Nancy Hittle (Peter) , Thomas Mahoney (Donna), Robert Mahoney (Christina), David Mahoney (Cheryl), and Patricia Mahoney (Lance McDougall). Their numerous grandchildren include: Matthew and Anna (Nancy); Michael, Catherine, Amanda, Rebecca (Thomas); Nicholas (Robert); Mitchell, Mark, Mallory (David); and Samuel, Andrew, Daniel (Patricia).

He is preceded in death by his parents, T. Frank and Edna, and his siblings, Donald, Marguerite, and Edna.

At Harold’s request, any gifts will be applied toward a memorial at Trinity Heights/Queen of Peace.