Vince Mahoney, 93, of Mount Pleasant, died Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Silver Palms.
Vincent David Mahoney was born on December 22, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Vincent Patrick and Hannah (Flynn) Mahoney. Vince grew up in Carlin, Nevada, following his graduation from high school, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Nevada. He received a Foundation of Science grant to attend Michigan State University, where he earned a master’s degree in science. Some may call it fate that he met his future wife Betty, who had also received the same grant. He was called to serve his country during the Korean War in the Army Signal Corps from 1954-1956. Vince returned to earn a PhD in English from the University of California, Berkeley.
On June 22, 1963, Vince was united in marriage to Betty Bollin in Carthage, Illinois. The couple moved to Mount Pleasant in 1969. Vince attended the University of Iowa to earn a PhD in American Literature, and a minor in Physics. For the next 35 years Vince was a dedicated professor at Iowa Wesleyan University, finishing his career after 13 years as the Education Department Head in 1996. Vince would say his biggest accomplishment was training over 300 grade school teachers, and watching them become great educators.
Betty and Vince took pride in helping to take care of the Pleasant Lawn One Room Schoolhouse at Old Threshers. During the reunion they enjoyed hosting spelling bees and teaching children about what it would have been like to attend school there. Vince loved to read science and physics books and filled the margins with notes and corrections he felt should be made.
Vince was a member of the National Association of Teachers of Science, National Council of Teachers of Math, and Retired Teachers Organization. Additionally, Vince was a Master Gardener. Vince was a member of the Mount Pleasant Kiwanis Club since 1961, where he served as club secretary for 36 years, club president, and Lieutenant Governor of Division 18. Vince was a faithful member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church.
Vince is survived by a brother Patrick (Gail) Mahoney; brothers-in-law Ed (Dixie) Bollin, Harry (Melody) Bollin; sister-in-law Emily Eckhardt; nieces and nephews Kevin Mahoney, Kathleen Logue, Michael Mahoney, Jeanine Mahoney, Randy (Chris) Eckhardt, Jeff (Dawn) Eckhardt, Marcie (Brian) Gaylord, Kayla (Willie) Carnes, Scott Bollin, Wayne (Lori) Bollin, Grant (Shani) Bollin; and many great nieces and nephews.
Vince was preceded in death by his parents, wife Betty, brother and sister-in-law David and Doris Mahoney, brother-in-law Dale Eckhardt, sister-in-law Janet Bollin and niece Michelle Mahoney.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 30, 2025, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. Rev. Ross Epping will celebrate the Mass. Military Rites will be conducted by the Henry County Honor Guard. Burial will be in the Durham Cemetery in Durham, Illinois, at a later date. Visitation will be 1:00 – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 29, at the Olson-Yoder Funeral Home & Crematory. A prayer service will begin at 4:30 p.m. and the family will be present to greet friends following until 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, and Midwest Old Threshers for the Pleasant Lawn School. The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home & Crematory is caring for Vince and his family. Condolences may be made at www.olsonyoderfh.com