Robert J. ‘Bud’ McMahon, 93, of Muscatine, passed away on Saturday, November 12, 2022, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 12:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 4, 2022, at the American Legion. Please join family and friends for food and fellowship. Military services will be conducted by the Honor Guard of Muscatine County Inc. at 12:30 p.m. The Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bud’s family in his honor, in care of Betty. Online condolences may be made at www.wittichfuneralhome.com.
Bud was born on May 11, 1929, on a farm in West Liberty, the son of Edward J. ‘Ward’ and Vera Carter McMahon. He married Betty L. Berry on August 27, 1955, in Muscatine.
Bud was a veteran of the United States Airforce and was stationed in Alaska during his service, which is why he loved to winter in Florida. He retired at the age of 60 from the United States Post Office as a rural letter carrier. Bud farmed with his father, and later purchased his farm in Sweetland Township. Bud and Betty raised and exhibited purebred Charolais cattle for over 30 years. Their Rolling Meadows Charolais bulls were sold all over the Midwest. They also raised and exhibited fancy poultry and pigeons. He passed the love of this onto his granddaughter. Bud was a jack of all trades, spending many hours in his workshop. This is where he taught his grandson some of his carpentry, welding, plumbing, and electrical skills.
He loved to dance and belonged to the Moose Lodge (lifetime member), Eagles, American Legion, and AMVETS. He was a past member of the American-International Charolais Association and the Iowa Charolais Association. He was a past officer for the Muscatine Cattlemen’s Association and the Eastern Iowa Poultry Association. Bud and Betty were avid travelers, visiting all 50 states, Canada, Europe, and England. They had visited Ireland twice, where Bud found his grandfather’s farm in County Fermanagh.
Bud was ornery and loved playing practical jokes on his grandkids and loved it when they retaliated.
Bud will be deeply missed by his wife, Betty McMahon; daughter, Rhonda Wittmer and her husband, Jim, of Muscatine; grandchildren, Jamie Wittmer and Robbie Wittmer and his wife, Amber, of Muscatine; great-grandchildren, Claysha and her significant other, Jake, Paislee, Harper, and Jude; sisters-in-law, Wanda ‘Toots’ McCullough of Muscatine and Helen Berry of Muscatine; brother-in-law, Jim Wade of Wapello; and several special nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sisters, Leona Hazen, Erma Chapman, Leila Butler, Bernice Schmitt, and Betty Weiersheuser.
