MAPES, ELMER A.

BETTENDORF — Elmer A. Mapes, 90, a resident of Bettendorf, passed away on Thursday, May 23, 2013, at Kahl Home for the Aged, Davenport, surrounded by his loving family. Per his wishes, cremation rites were accorded and private burial will take place at National Cemetery, Rock Island Arsenal. A private family Memorial Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled.

Halligan McCabe DeVries Funeral Home, Davenport, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Elmer Arthur Mapes was born Sept. 26, 1922, in Muscatine, a son of Arthur and Ella (Goss) Mapes. He graduated from St. Mathias High School. Elmer enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, spending three years in the South Pacific, participating in the Guam, Bougainville, and Okinawa campaigns. He volunteered for the Marine Raiders at that time and was with the first Marines to occupy Japan. Elmer graduated from St. Ambrose and earned his master’s degree from the University of Iowa, Iowa City.

Elmer was united in marriage to Jeanne P. Lane on Aug. 9, 1952, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Davenport. They have celebrated over 60 years of marriage.

He was a teacher and coach for 37 years in the Bettendorf Community School District, retiring in 1985. At the time of his retirement, he was the varsity boys’ golf coach.

Elmer loved his faith, his family, his country and the U.S. Marine Corps, especially the Marine Raiders. He was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Marine Corps League and American Legion Post 26.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Handicapped Development Center, St. Ambrose University Athletic Department (basketball) or Embracing Our Future Campaign.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Jeanne, and their four children and spouses, Michael (Jody), Terry (Angela), Mark (Teresa) and Jill; 11 grandchildren, Cadie, Christopher, Kelly, T.J., Stephen, Michael, Matthew, Erin, Melissa, Mary Kate and Maggie; a great-grandson, Nicholas; a sister, Alice Kochneff, Tucson; and a sister-in-law, Rose Mary Spaeth, Moline. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Leona, Mary, Betty and Patricia, and a grandson, William.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Edmund Coyne, Dr. Steven Aguilar, Genesis Hospice, Father John Steckel and the Sisters at the Kahl Home for the compassionate care Elmer received.

Semper Fi and Gung Ho, Dad — Rest in Peace.