(Submitted Photo)
KENOSHA, Wis. — The City of Kenosha on Friday honored lifelong resident and World War II veteran Edward W. Maurer, proclaiming Jan. 30 as Edward W. Maurer Day in recognition of his 100th birthday and a century of service to his country, family and community.
Kenosha Mayor David Bogdala presented the proclamation during a Friday afternoon recognition, praising Maurer’s military service and decades of civic involvement.
“I appreciate you and all you’ve done for this community over many, many years — not only in service to our country, but also in service to our great city,” Bogdala told Maurer.
Maurer was born Jan. 30, 1926, in Kenosha and served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1945 as a machinist aboard the USS Wadsworth with the Pacific Fleet. After returning home from the war, he built a life rooted in hard work, family and community involvement.
In 1949, Maurer married Rhea J. Schultz at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Together, they raised seven children and today count 20 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Maurer worked for more than 30 years at Eaton Dynamatic before retiring. His service to the community continued well beyond his working years, including a lifetime membership and leadership as a past post commander of VFW Post 1865. He also remains a familiar presence among fellow veterans at the Festival Heroes Café.
For years, Maurer and his wife split time as snowbirds in Mesa, Arizona, while maintaining strong ties to Kenosha. Friends and family describe him as someone who finds joy in routine — golfing, breakfast gatherings with friends, daily walks along the Kenosha lakefront and long-standing family traditions. His birthday celebrations, family members say, are never complete without singing “Hail, Hail, the Gang’s All Here.”
Reflecting on a century of change in Kenosha, Maurer offered simple advice.
“You have to change. You can’t stay idle,” he said. “Keep moving forward.”
Bogdala’s proclamation cited Maurer’s military service, devotion to family and lasting contributions to the Kenosha community, calling his 100th birthday “a testament to a life well lived.”
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5 Responses
Thank you for the service sir! Congratulations
Thank you fighting fascists then. We sure could use more of you now!
You just couldn’t leave your crazy left wing politics alone for one day , could ya ? Read the room , Skippy. 🇺🇲👊
Amen, to that! Thank you for your years of service and dedication. What an honorable man.
Mr Maurer,
Thank you for your sacrifice, your courage, stamina, inspiration, and faith in our country. You ARE the American Dream and the reason there is hope with so many wolves outside our door.