Eugene Mau, age 85 of Odebolt, IA, passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Nebraska Methodist Hospital in Omaha, NE. Eugene Herman Mau was born on April 16, 1941, in Sherburn, MN, to Parents Charlie and Alice (Stuve) Mau. He grew up in Lakefield, MN, and graduated from Lakefield High School in 1960.
Eugene often shared the story of first seeing Della Jean Albrecht while she was icing a chocolate cake, and it was love at first sight. The two were united in marriage on August 5, 1961, and were blessed with three children: Darla, Patrick, and Marnie.
Eugene and Della made their home in Odebolt, where they built a life centered around faith, family, and hard work. He spent many years working at packing houses including one in Storm Lake, IA, before working at the IBP/Tyson plant in Denison, IA, from which he retired in 2008, but continued to work for others when they needed a day off. A dedicated and dependable employee, he took great pride in providing for his family.
A longtime member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Odebolt, Eugene’s faith was an important part of his life. He regularly attended Bible study, served as an usher for many years, and enjoyed participating on the church’s dartball team. His church family meant a great deal to him, and he lived his life guided by his strong Christian faith.
Known by the nickname “Hewie” during his high school years and later as “Herky” among his coworkers, Eugene was well-liked wherever he went. He had a passion for gardening and was especially proud of the produce he raised. His sweet corn and vegetables became favorites at area farmers markets, where he enjoyed visiting with customers and sharing the fruits of his labor.
Nothing brought Eugene greater joy than his family. He cherished every opportunity to attend family gatherings and activities and treasured the time spent with those he loved. He was a loyal fan of the Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Twins and the Iowa Hawkeyes, and loved cheering them on.
Above all, Eugene loved the Lord and held firmly to his faith. Following the passing of his beloved Della, he often spoke of the day they would be reunited. That long-awaited reunion has now come, and those who knew Eugene find comfort in knowing he is once again by her side.
Eugene will be remembered for his strong work ethic, unwavering faith, kind heart, love of gardening, and devotion to his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Survivors include his children, Darla (Roger) Lawson of Woodbine, IA, and Patrick Mau of Odebolt, IA; twelve grandchildren; thirty-one great-grandchildren; six great-great grandchildren; siblings: Kathy Crowell, Chucky (Diane) Mau, Wayne (Debby) Mau, Nancy Pratt, Linda Updike, and Richard Mau; sisters-in-law Dorothy Sweeden, Lois Grote, and Carolyn Albrecht; many nieces, nephews, other extended family and friends.
Eugene was preceded in death by his wife, Della Jean Mau (2016); infant daughter Marnie Marie Mau; parents Charlie and Alice Mau; daughter-in-law Tammy Mau; brothers-in-law Bill Updike, Larry Pratt, Gerald “Babe” Crowell, Ross Sweeden, Leo Grote, Ike Albrecht, and Raymond (June) Albrecht; sister-in-law Lola (Gilbert) Marron.
