Mahr named to Iowa Knights of Columbus Hall of Fame

DES MOINES - When you look at a lifetime of accomplishments by an individual, some go to the “buffet of life” and leave with with a few morsels on their plate. Others may leave with a plate half full, and others, they carry a full plate with little room on it!  Often, it’s those who already have that full plate that tend to be the best in taking on even more  . . . such was Thomas Mahr!

When you looked at his “resume’ of life” it was definitely a very full plate!  

Mahr, who passed away September 27, 2022 from cancer, gave much time and effort to the Knights of Columbus organization, having been a member for decades.  He was a true “giver of time and money” to his Church at Notre Dame in Cresco.  Mahr was also someone involved in his community, as well as other towns in helping them when in need.  

That is why Thom Mahr was nominated to the Iowa Knights of Columbus Hall of Fame, and well-received by the Hall of Fame Committee. 

On December 2, Mahr was inducted in the the Hall of Fame at a special ceremony  in Des Moines, Iowa.  He was one of seven individuals honored that night, including Father David Ambrosy of Bellevue, Marvin Bissen of Harlan, Frederick Donovan of DeWitt, Bob Licktieg of Ankeny, Todd Roecker of Atlantic and Thomas Wittrock of Carroll.  

Mike McGee of Cresco nominated Mahr, filling out the nomination form and gathering up his information––which was plenty!

“Thom is very deserving of being inducted into the Iowa K of C Hall of Fame,” stated McGee in his nomination letter. “He was always working to grow the organization and to keep everyone involved as to lend a hand as needed.”

Included in his letter was how Mahr lived “as an example” of the three pieces of what the Knights stand for . . . charity, unity and fraternity.  

McGee explained that Mahr’s “charity” was shown through his constant desire to do fundraising work and to give to those in need––be it be local, to his Church, to the school, etc.  

“He also demonstrated unity through his ability to keep everyone involved and working for common goals,” continued McGee. “Thom’s fraternity was evident in his willingness to always be there for his brother Knights in their time of need.  Also, his willingness to take on leadership roles and the offices he held in the organization.”

With the Cresco Council 1571 Knights of Columbus, he served on various committees and many projects over the years, including being part of the 1st Degree Team, as well as the 2nd and 3rd Degree Teams.  Other accomplishments through K of C:

• Chaired District Bowling Tournament;

• Chaired Soup Supper Fundraisers for his local council;

• Was a delegate to the State Convention numerous times;

• Started a program called “T.E.A.M.” which means To Encourage Attendance at Meetings;

• Played on a local team in district basketball tournament;

• Chaired the K of C Family Picnic;

• Was Cresco Council 1571 Knight of the Year;

• Chaired a committee to have supper before Travel Gavel meetings;

• Chaired the K of C Brat Stand at the Howard County Fair to raise money for scholarships;

• Chaired the local Spelling Bee;

• In 1987, he drafted the original resolution to be sent to the State Convention to name a State Knight of the Year;

• Chaired a project to have a flow in Loyalty Day Parade;

• Chaired Tootsie Roll Drive;

• Started a local Columbian Squires Club (area youth organization);

• Chaired Corporate Communion Breakfasts;

And over the years was Warden, Outside Guard, Lecturer, Program Director, Deputy Grand Knight, Grand Knight Trustee and District Deputy.

 

At Notre Dame

With Notre Dame Church he served on the Parish Council, the Parish Finance Committee and head of the Parish Maintenance and Grounds Committee.  He also served as an Usher, distributed cards at the church on how to say a proper Rosary, and helped build a temporary building for the Church to use as a classroom for the school (Mahr chaired this project).