George Mackin

George Robert “Bob” Mackin, 81, of Bettendorf, passed away peacefully on the morning of Saturday, November 29, 2014 with the care of the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf.

Memorial Services & Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Bettendorf where he was a member. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home in Bettendorf where a Christian Wake Service will be recited at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Davenport. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

George was born December 21, 1932 in Davenport, the son of Francis and Alma (McManus) Mackin of DeWitt, Iowa.  During his childhood he worked with the dairy business on the Mackin family farm and graduated from DeWitt High School in 1950.

On June 7, 1958, Bob was united in marriage to Margaret Joy Stahle at Our Lady of Lourdes in Bettendorf. The next year the couple had their first child Jackie, and in the following years they had three more children; Steve, Mark and Greg.

In 1959, Bob began working for Alcoa beginning as an inspector, then pipefitter and finally as foreman. He worked at Alcoa for 34 years and was a member and officer of the Aluminum Workers International Union, Local 105.

Bob and Margaret were also active supporters of Democratic candidates in the 1970s. In retirement, Bob enjoyed woodworking and collecting antiques. He was also passionate about doing one good deed every day. He was very active in the community by being a member of Our Lady of Lourdes, Friends of the Bettendorf Library and Alcoa Retirees. One of his favorite activities was playing cards with his family and friends. Margaret and Bob joined with friends to play in their card club for more than 55 years.

Margaret and Bob spent many years traveling the world, having visited four continents; Asia, North America, South America and Europe. Bob's favorite trip was to Ireland.

In 1985, their first grandchild, Emily was born and Molly and Logan were born a few years later. He loved spending time with his grandchildren by teaching them to fish, play euchre and helping with their school projects.

Those left honor his memory include his wife of 56 years, Margaret; his children, Jackie and Brad Baumgard of Okabena, Minnesota, Steve & Linda Mackin of Bellevue, Washington, and Mark Mackin and Greg Mackin of Vail, Arizona; three grandchildren, Emily Baumgard of Denver, Colorado, Molly Baumgard of St. Paul, Minnesota and Logan Mackin of Bellevue; two brothers, Dick & Madonna Mackin of Bettendorf and David & Carolyn Mackin of DeWitt.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; and his brothers, Gene, Daniel, Thomas and James.