Edward Maahs

Edward Ralph Maahs, aged 85, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2025 in Urbandale, Iowa. He was a loving husband, supportive father, cherished grandfather and great grandfather and dear friend to many.

Born on November 2, 1939 in Whittemore, Iowa Ed joined an amazing family that would eventually grow to 13 siblings, all with names beginning with the letter E. He graduated from high school in Whittemore in 1957. He became a lab and x-ray technician before going back to school for business to become a hospital administrator. He was an alumnus of the University of Iowa and was an avid Hawkeyes fan, proudly wearing the black and gold every chance he could.

After marrying the love of his life Marlys (Berkland) in 1961, Ed lived a life filled with love, laughter and kindness with her. He was known for having a positive attitude, a tenacious work ethic, and being an innovative leader.

Ed spent his career championing health care, especially in rural Iowa. He approached every position with diligence and integrity, leaving a lasting impression on all who had the pleasure of working with him. He spent 27 years in Lake City, Iowa leading both the hospital and clinic as administrator; all the while serving with community organizations, as well as in many state, and national associations.

His hard work and abilities were recognized by many organizations and associations. He served as the Chairman of the Board for the Iowa Hospital Association and was awarded their Excellence in Leadership Award; he also received the Outstanding Medical Office Administrator Award from the Iowa Medical Society and many other honors.

After his tenure in Lake City, Ed officially 'flunked retirement' and became Mercy Health Services Regional Director for their Rural Health Network. He then went on to spend the next 16 years as interim administrator and consultant at 20 hospitals across Iowa and internationally. His innovative approach to leadership and reputation for getting results made him a sought-after candidate to captain institutions in times of transition or crisis.

He will be dearly missed by his beloved wife of 63 years, Marlys, his children Kim (Maahs)

Skinner, Kent Maahs, Jason Maahs and his wife Kris (LeBrun) Maahs, his grandchildren

Alexandra (Skinner) Walsh and her husband Steven Walsh, Ben Skinner, Collin Maahs and

Blake Maahs, his great grandchildren Finley Walsh and Zayla Walsh, his sisters Eunice (Ralph) Sebers, Elaine (Dick) Leu, Ella Rae (Tilford) Egland, Evonne Meyer, brother Earl (Sue) Maahs, and extended family, as well as many friends all over the country. He touched the lives of many and will be remembered fondly.

Ed is preceded in death by his parents Ed and Ella (Potratz) and his cherished siblings Elmer, Eldora, Eugene (Gene), Eldon (Sonny), Ervin, Everett, and Evelyn.

All his life, Ed enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially when at Twin Lakes and in Florida. While he is no longer with us, his love and legacy will continue to live on in our many wonderful memories and the character lessons he modeled and taught us over the years. We know he is smiling upon us now with a big grin on his face feeling no more weakness and pain, maybe even jumping chairs.

A visitation and funeral service to honor and celebrate Ed's life will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Urbandale, Iowa. The visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the funeral service immediately following at 11:00 a.m. Laufersweiler's Palmer-Swank Funeral Home, Rockwell City is serving the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in his name to the Iowa Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association, his congregation at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, or to a charity of your choice.

American Parkinson Disease Association

2951 86th Street Suite #125

Urbandale, IA 50322

St. Stephen Lutheran Church

3510 72nd Street

Urbandale, IA 50322