View Video Tribute Elmer Eugene Mahoney Sr., 88, of Keokuk, Iowa, died Monday, December 8, 2008 at the Keokuk Area Hospital in Keokuk, IA. He was born on December 26, 1919 in Hannibal, MO, the son of Daniel and Hazel Rudd Mahoney. On December 21, 1948, Elmer was united in marriage to Vivian Washburn in Palmyra, MO. She survives. Other survivors include one daughter, Sherry Buschling-Walker and her husband David of Carthage, IL, one son, John Mahoney and his wife Laura of Keokuk, IA, one daughter-in-law, Wanda Mahoney of Keokuk, IA, two grandchildren, Candy Lovell and her husband Paul of Keokuk, IA, and Jeff Buschling and his wife Angela of Canton, MO, five great-grandchildren, Megan and Christian Lovell, and Renae, Rachel, and Grace Buschling. He was preceded in death by one son, Elmer Mahoney Jr., one son-in-law, Charles Buschling, five brothers and one sister. Elmer was a veteran of the United States Army and proudly served his country during WW II. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge where he was captured by German SS Troops and was a POW for several months. Elmer was employed with the Laborers Union as a construction foreman. He worked on many building projects in Keokuk, including the Mississippi Terrace, Public Library, and Bowling Alley. During the depression years, he worked with the Civilian Conservation Corp and helped plant Shimek forest. He was a member of All Saints Catholic Church in Keokuk, IA. He loved to fish and go camping at Oakland Mills Campground. His favorite place to be was on the Mississippi River and he loved to spend time with his two dogs, Bandit and Prince, who were both very special to him. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, December 1 at the All Saints Catholic Church in Keokuk, IA with Father Paul Connolly officiating. Burial with military rites was in the Keokuk National Cemetery in Keokuk, IA. Memorials may be made to the Oakland Mills Campground.