Joseph P. Mahaffey

Joseph P. Mahaffey, 90, of Kewanee, died at 11:20 p.m., Monday, January 5, 2026 at Courtyard Estates in Kewanee.

He was born on March 11, 1935 in Ardoch, ND, the son of Leon and Katherine (Gerszewski) Mahaffey. He married Loretta J. Dennis on July 9, 1955 in Kewanee and she preceded him in death on March 13, 2015. Survivors include his son, Bruce (LuAnn) Mahaffey of Kewanee, his two daughters, Vicki (Wayne) Bailey and Lori (Tony) VanDeVoorde, both of Kewanee, three siblings; Mike (Judi) Mahaffey of Alabama, Donna DeSmit of Kewanee and Lorna Dobbels of Florida, five grandchildren; Jake (Brooke) Mahaffey of San Diego, CA and Jeff Mahaffey, Grace VanDeVoorde, Alec VanDeVoorde and Brett (Heather) Sellers, all of Kewanee and three great grandchildren; Abigail, Emma and Lincoln Mahaffey. He was also preceded in death by his parents, a son, Steve and twin boys in infancy.

Joseph graduated from Wethersfield High School and served his country in the National Guard. He worked as a salesman for Taylor & Son in Kewanee for 50 years until his retirement. In his early years he worked at Montgomery Ward, which is where he met his wife. He was of the Catholic faith. Joseph was a handyman and always a hard worker, thoroughly enjoying working outside. He was an avid runner competing in multiple marathons including the Chicago Marathon in 1990 where he achieved a qualifying time for the Boston Marathon. He also enjoyed cycling, having cycled in RAGBRAI, the bicycle ride across Iowa. Joseph loved his family and cherished the time spent with them and attending their activities.

Cremation will be accorded and private graveside services will be held at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Kewanee. Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the Henry County Humane Society-Kewanee Chapter. Rux Funeral Home in Kewanee is assisting the family with arrangements 

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