Brendan Bernard Mahoney
December 30, 2010
Brendan Bernard Mahoney, 32, died on December 30, 2010, in Des Moines. An Irish style celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, January 4, 2011, at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines; visitation from 3 to 8 p.m., with the celebration at 6:30 p.m. Interment will be on Wednesday, January 5, 2011, at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Georgetown, IA at 12:00 noon.
Brendan was born on July 17, 1978 in Des Moines to loving parents Bernard and Barbara Mahoney. He grew up in Beaverdale and Johnston and graduated from Johnston High School in 1997. Brendan and his brother Shawn were precarious and competitive in their adventures of life together. On these adventures Bernie and Barb guided and instilled them with the core values of life and family.
Summer vacations and fishing trips in northern Minnesota were a staple of Brendan’s youth. Trips to Georgetown and Melrose, IA taught Brendan to embrace his Irish heritage.
As an adult, Brendan was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating and four-wheeling. Brendan spent time at his family’s homestead in Georgetown, IA known to his family as “down home.” Brendan was well known and loved in the area and contributed both time and funds to the restoration efforts of St. Patrick’s Church in Georgetown, IA.
Brendan owned and operated several successful businesses including Mahoney Contracting. He was a hardworking, fun loving Irish man who truly valued his family and friendships. His mischievous smile lit up every room and he brought joy and laughter to everyone he met.
He is survived by his parents; brother, Shawn; niece, Anna Grace; nephew, Bentlee; maternal grandmother, June Utley; aunt, Becky Olson; goddaughter, Charlotte Carmichael; and girlfriend, Diana Connolly. Brendan will be forever missed by his aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Paul and Frances Mahoney and his grandfather, Dude Olson.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Brendan Mahoney memorial fund at Veridian Credit Union.
Online condolences may be made at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Kathy, Jim House & Jerry, John and Laura Utley
01/03/2011
Barb, Bernie and Shawn,
We were deeply saddened when we learned earlier this week of the sudden, unexpected death of your son, Brendan. We cannot imagine the depth of your sorrow.
We all wish we had the words to comfort your family in your grief, but I know there are none that will take away any pain you are feeling now. Please accept these written words and know we are holding you and your family in our hearts at this sad and difficult time.
Sincerely,
Kathy & Jim House
John & Laura Utley
Jerry Utley
walter smith
01/03/2011
we will all miss his smieling face at miss kittys and my thougts and prays will be whith you throug the hard times that are to come
Priscilla Lafferty
01/03/2011
Shawn,
I am so sorry to hear of your family's loss. You have my prayers to help you through this time of sorrow.
Brad Johnson
01/03/2011
Just heard the very unfortunate news about Brendan's passing. I want to send my deepest condolences to the Mahoney family. Brad Johnson, teacher and coach at Johnston High School.
Jon Peterson
01/03/2011
So Many fond memories of Brendan and the Mahoney families.
Barb and Bernie, my heart ached when I heard the news and thought of you all and wishing I could be there to give you a big hug. He brought great enjoyment to all he came into contact with and everytime someone thinks of Brendan they will smile.
Your friend
Jon
Heather Malek (Morrison)
01/03/2011
To Shawn and family: I knew Shawn and Brendan in the early years in Johnston. We always had a blast together and Shawn I cannot imagine the pain you feel of losing your only sibling. I hope you find some peace in the memories that you shared together. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Darlene "Babe"Lamb
01/03/2011
Words cannnot explain such a vibrant life cut short. I had played golf with Brendan and Nate several years ago and we had so many laughs that day.
Sincere thoughts and prayers for your family.
Babe Lamb
Nate's Aunt
Mike & Bobbi Molloy
01/03/2011
I don't recall ever being in a room with Brendan when there wasn't a smile on my face and a laugh in my gut. We will always remember his fun loving character & generous kind heart.
Our deepest sympathies to his family in this difficult time, but know that this world is a better place for having had 32 fun filled years with Brendan Mahoney in it.
Shawn & Tracy Heaberlin
01/03/2011
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Brendan's family and friends. Brendan will be missed greatly! It was our pleasure to have gotten to know Brendan during our time of ownership of the Red Barn and the friendship continued there after. He could always light up the room and put a smile on everyones face.
Are thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Beth Norton
01/02/2011
I can not think of a time Brendan didn't make me smile. I do not know if I will ever really believe he has left us, but I know he will forever be in my heart and my family and I are blessed to have the memories. Our sympathy is extended to his entire family.
Daniel Loup, Drew Junkcer and Michael Marciante "F
01/01/2011
"Making Memories"
You didn't have to know Brendon Mahoney very long to know he was the life of the party. The "Louisana Boys" as he called us were fortunate enough to "Make Memories" with him over the past two years. From pulling Red Fish out the Gulf of Mexico to dragging bucks out the fields of Iowa, the images of his big smile and kiddish personality are engraved in our minds and most importantly our hearts forever. "Making Memories" is what he called those times and we are so very proud to have been part of many great memories with him. When you were around Brendon there was never a dull moment and he always made sure the people in his presence were having a good time. When you would call Brendon and ask him what he was was doing he would always reply, "Living the Dream"! It's a phrase that we have all adopted and sadly one that has so much more meaning now. I truly believe Brendon was living his dream, a dream that ended way too early. Whenever a person with so much life ahead him goes unexpectedly, the question is always, "Why?" For reasons we will never know God had a bigger plan for Brendon but there is no doubt he is looking down upon us now and grinning with that Big Irish smile!
Rest in Peace my good pal, you will never be forgotten!
Dan Sinnott
01/01/2011
I would like to thank Brendan for bringing me so many happy times in my life. Making memories is what we called it. He treated my boys, Joseph and Kyle, like they were just as special to him as they are to me. Not just everyone does things like this as any parent would know. My boys and I will Miss you so Very Much.. Everyone will, thats Just the Type of Guy you are
Charlene Fairchild
12/31/2010
I am so sorry to hear of the tragic loss of your son and brother. I met Brendan through Shawn and some mutual friends when he was a teenager. He was a very funny and likeable person and it is so sad when God takes someone so prematurely. It is very unfair. God Bless your family!
With my deepest sympathy-
Charlene (Collmann) Fairchild
Ankeny, IA