Michael L. Mahaskey, 79, of Ottumwa, died December 25, 2025.
He was born April 14, 1946 at St. Joseph Hospital in Ottumwa to Albert Lorenzo and Margaret Elona Yencsik Mahaskey.
A 1964 graduate of Ottumwa High School, he attended Northeast Missouri State Teachers College from 1964-66. Mike was a Vietnam War veteran, having served as an artillery truck driver with the U.S. Marine Corps from 1966-68. He was a Purple Heart recipient and flew on an honor flight to Washington D.C. in 2025.
Returning from service, Mike worked for his dad at Al’s Auto Service from 1968-71 doing auto repair and heavy towing. From 1971-90 he worked route sales in a 9 county area for Sieg Ottumwa Auto Parts and from 1990-91 he worked auto parts route sales for Quality Automotive. From 1991-93 Mike worked for Combined Insurance Co. in sales and renewals and from 1993-94 he worked in route sales and delivery for Intrastate Bakery Dolly Madison Cakes. From 1994-98 Mike was a service consultant for Duea Motor Co., from 1998-2002 he worked at Vaughn Automotive as service consultant and body shop manager, and then worked from 2002-10 as service manager for Duea Motor Co.
He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, a lifetime member of O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion, Walter B. Schafer Post #775 Veterans of Foreign Wars and a member of Ottumwa B.P.O. Elks Lodge #347 where he served as Exalted Ruler from 1978-79.
Mike was a superfan of NASCAR, the Kansas City Chiefs and Liberty Blue Jay Cheerleading. He also enjoyed cycling and mowing his lawns.
Surviving are his children, Scott (Gail) Mahaskey of Alexandria, VA and Brenda (Chad) Moats of Liberty MO; his best friend, Evonne Mahaskey of Ottumwa; a granddaughter, Naia Mahaskey; 2-great-nieces who considered him as “Grandpa” Alex (Josh) Foley and Ellie Moats; an aunt, Mary (Pete) Rich of Ottumwa; along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, December 28th at Reece Funeral Home with the family present to greet friends from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Per family request, his casket will remain closed.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday, December 29th, at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Nancy Cameron and Pastor Bill Hornback officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery with military services conducted by O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion and Walter B. Schafer Post #775 Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Memorials may be made to Susan B. Komen for the Cure.
