Obituary of Edwin Henry Maiers

Edwin, “Eddie” H. Maiers, 93, of Dubuque, Iowa and formerly of New Vienna passed away peacefully Tuesday, October 8, 2019, at Stonehill Franciscan Services, Dubuque, Iowa. 

Visitation will be held from 2-7 p.m. Sunday, October 13^th, 2019, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12^th Ave SW in Dyersville, Iowa where an American Legion Post #137 and New Vienna VFW Post #7736 service will be held at 7 p.m. 

Visitation will continue Monday morning, October 14^th from 9-10 a.m. at Church of the Resurrection in Dubuque where a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m.  Rev. Tom Heathershaw will officiate, Rev. Mike Mescher will concelebrate, and Deacon Mike Ellis will assist.  Burial will be held at 2 p.m. at St. Boniface Cemetery, New Vienna, Iowa, where military honors will be accorded by American Legion Post #137 and New Vienna VFW Post #7736.

Eddie was born June 27, 1926, in Holy Cross, the son of Gilbert and Henrietta (Lake) Maiers.  He grew up on the family farm, ending his education after 9^th grade to help on the farm. Eddie was a proud World War II veteran, serving from 1944-1946 and was a charter member of VFW Post #7736. Eddie met and dated Laura Mescher shortly before he entered the Army and their courtship continued while he was on furlough. Laura waited for Eddie for 2 years while he served overseas and they married on October 2, 1950 in New Vienna.

He attended barber school in St. Paul, MN and obtained his barber license in 1951. He operated Eddie and Howard’s Barbershop with his longtime barber partner, Howard Rettenmeier, in Dyersville until 1972 and from 1985-2000 operated Eddie’s Barbershop out of his home in New Vienna. Eddie was also a salesman for Moorman Manufacturing Co. from 1973-1985 and worked 30+ years as a salesman for Bankers Advertising Co. With his wife Laura, they operated Kustom Plastics for 20 years from their home in New Vienna.  He served on the Board of Directors of New Vienna Savings Bank for several years.

Eddie was a committed community and St. Boniface parish volunteer, including many years as a member of the New Vienna Fire Department.

Eddie learned to play the accordion at an early age, which grew into a lifelong love of music and the accordion. His first paid gig was at age 15 for a wedding anniversary party for which he received $3. A favorite of his was playing at the annual St. Boniface Parish Picnic. He entertained many residents at area care centers over the years, so it was fitting his final performance occurred at Stonehill Franciscan Services in early August. He loved entertaining his grandkids with his accordion and could always make them smile with one of his many jokes.

Eddie is survived by his children Jim (Barb) of Dubuque, Gary (Diane) of Plymouth, MN., Dave (Shirley) of Bloomington, MN., Tom (Deb) of Rochester, MN., Marty (Ann) of Iowa City, IA., Bill (Sandi) of Cedar Falls, IA., Don (AJ) of Cedar Rapids, IA., 21 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

Eddie is also survived by his siblings Eileen Kluesner of Farley and Al “Butch” (Pat) Maiers of Dubuque; in-laws Norma Maiers of Dyersville and Shirley Maiers of Dubuque; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Laura in 2016, siblings Leon (Harriet) Maiers, Wilmer Maiers, and Clete Maiers; in laws Jerry Kluesner, Herb (Irene), Vince (Lucille), Al (Vi), Elmer (Marion), Ray (Fran), Eddie (Anna Jane), Don (Betty) and Bob (Peggy) Mescher, Alma (Jim) Healy, Rose (Elmer) Johanningmeier, and Arlene (Dick) Southwell.

The family greatly appreciates the wonderful care provided by Eagle Pointe Place, Stonehill Franciscan Services, and Hospice of Dubuque.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Stonehill Franciscan Services, Church of the Resurrection, St. Boniface Church or Beckman High School.

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