MICHAEL W MAHER 10/21/1947 01/23/2013

Michael W. "Mike" Maher, 65, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013, as the result of a motor vehicle accident.

He was born on Oct. 21, 1947, in Freeport, Ill., son of William and Eleanor (Eberle) Maher. Mike attended school in Dubuque and was a 1965 graduate of Dubuque Senior High School. Following high school, he entered the Army and served as an infantry officer during his first tour. Mike attended the University System of Georgia, graduating in 1973. He then served his second tour in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot.

Mike was a highly decorated war hero to those who really knew him and a great friend to everyone else.

He was a "rock" to many people. Mike was a true leader in every sense. He spent 10 years in the corporate world developing ultrasound technology, working for Toshiba and Siemens, before returning to Dubuque in 1990. Mike married Ranee S. Bush on March 22, 1993, in Galena, Ill.

Mike's life revolved around his family and friends. He was the kindest man you could ever meet. His loyalty and honor for his country led him to honor fallen veterans through his leadership of the funeral detail with the Dubuque Marine Corps League and Tri-State Vietnam Veterans. Mike served several hundred veterans.

Surviving is his wife, Ranee S. Maher, of Dubuque; children, Shannon Matricardi, of New York, Sean (Charissa) Maher, of Charleston, S.C., and Danielle Maher, of Dubuque; a grandson, Conner Michael Maher; father, Bill Maher, of Dubuque; his siblings, Karen (David) Coale, of St. Petersburg, Fla., Jeanne (Leo) Czervionke, of Jacksonville, Fla., and Stephen (Shavaun) Maher, of Waxhaw, N.C.; his sister-in-law, Linda (James T.) Klar, of Potosi, Wis.,; his brother-in-law, Bruce (Caroline) Bush, of Dubuque; his former wife, Cheryl (John) Williams, of Gainesville, Fla., and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother and his uncle, Robert "Cork" Maher.

A Michael W. "Mike" Maher Memorial Fund has been established.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com.

Mike's family would like to thank his longtime doctors, Dr. Longo, Dr. Iverson, and Dr. Pat Flynn for their many years of care.

Flight Class 70-12

Date of Birth 10/21/1947

Served in the U.S. Army

Served in Vietnam with 1 INF DIV in 67-68, 2 BDE 25 INF in 70, D/101 AHB 101 ABN in 70-71, B/158 AHB 101 ABN

Call signs in Vietnam YELLOW JACKET 006, LANCER 5