Richard Cornelius Mauss

Richard 'Dick' C. Mauss, 70, of New Albin, IA, died following a 4 year battle with cancer on Wednesday, April 4, 2012, at his home. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 10th, at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in New Albin, with Fr. John Moser officiating. Burial with Military Rites will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, New Albin. Friends may call from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Monday at the Community Center in New Albin. Martin Funeral Home in Waukon is assisting the family.

Richard Cornelius Mauss was born on November 22, 1941 in New Albin, IA, to Cornelius and Beatrice (Blake) Mauss. He grew up in New Albin and graduated from New Albin High School in 1959. While in high school he started working at the family business, Mauss Produce. He worked there until entering the Army, in which he served from 1964 to 1966. On April 12, 1969 he married Janet Curtin at St. Mary's, Lycurgus Catholic Church. In 1969 he started doing electrical work for Bissen Electric in Caledonia, MN. In 1976 he started Mauss Electric in New Albin, in 2011 he celebrated 35 years in business. Throughout those years he took great pride in his business and his customers. Dick was a life-long member of St. Joseph's Parish and served on its Parish Council. He was a 25 year member of the New Albin Fire Dept. He served on the New Albin City Council for 14 years and as Mayor of New Albin from 2006 to 2012.


Dick was an avid Cubs fan, he had a witty sense of humor, loved talking and spending time with his coffee group. He enjoyed talking about the history of the New Albin area and genealogy. The last few years he and Janet enjoyed traveling.

Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Janet Mauss of New Albin; 7 children, Jeff (Kelly) Mauss of Caledonia, MN, Dan (Nicole) Mauss of Grinnell, IA, Denny (Karen) Mauss of Robins, IA, Shelly Meyer and friend Tom Guckenberger of Cedar Rapids, Pat (Melanie) Mauss of New Albin, Julie (Matt) Rethwisch of Lansing and Jim (Kristi) Mauss of Rogers, MN; 20 grandchildren that he dearly loved, Ryan, Blake, Anna, Eric, Sarah and Charlie Mauss, Spencer, Megan and Rylee Mauss, Brandon and Carlie Mauss, Nathan and Corey Meyer, Kyle and Madaline Mauss, Jenna, Thomas and Jack Rethwisch, Allison and Katie Mauss; 8 siblings, Ken Mauss of La Crosse, WI, Jerry (Janice) Mauss of New Albin, Karen (Donovan) Olson of Eitzen, MN, Alan Mauss of Freeburg, MN, Barb (Wayne) Sabatke of Birchwood, WI, George (Tammy) Mauss of New Albin, Gary (Barb) Mauss of New Albin, Steve Mauss of Caledonia, MN and a sister-in-law, Kathy Mauss of Kaukauna, WI. He is preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Donnie Mauss; a sister-in-law, Romelle Mauss; and his parents-in-law, Bob and Anna Mae Curtin.

Honorary casketbearers are Ken, Jerry, Alan, George, Gary, Steve and Kathy Mauss, Karen Olson and Barb Sabatke. Casketbearers are Jeff, Dan, Denny, Pat, Jim and Pete Mauss.