BOONE, Iowa—Maurice “Maury” Duane Baldus died peacefully at Westhaven Community on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, in Boone, Iowa, at the age of 89.
Maury was born on August 10, 1934 in Story County, Iowa to Alfred and Anselma Baldus. After graduating from Jordan High School in 1952, Maury worked on a family farm. In 1957, he married Susan Jones and moved to Boone, IA where they welcomed five children into their home. Maury worked in construction, was a truck driver and served in the Iowa National Guard prior to starting his long-time career as a machinist at Quinn Machine and Foundry in 1963. In 1978, Maury married Janice Baker, and together they raised four children. In 2005, Maury and Beulah Stone married and were together until her death in 2013.
His children remember him as a loving and proud father who encouraged them to pursue their goals. Maury loved to dance. He often said the best ten dollars he ever spent was on dance lessons. He was passionate about hunting and fishing. Maury would go on an annual fishing trip and would share his catch with half the town of Boone at the Annual Baldus Fish Fry that lasted for thirty years. He enjoyed bowling at his brother’s bowling alley, Bowl-Mor Lanes and was skilled in woodworking, making cradles for each one of his children. Maury was a very social person and you could often find him at the Moose Club or VFW. He will be missed by many family members and friends.
Maury is survived by his children Cindy Hicks, Doug (Ronda) Baldus, Mark (Donna) Baldus, Maureen (John) Burke, Mike (Beth) Baldus, Cece (Jeff) Moore, Jessica (Paul) Graves, and Jeremiah Baldus; his grandchildren, David Smelcer, Ian Williams, Abby (Kevin) Stoa, Brandy (Mark) Vrban, Chris Curtis, Elania Baldus, Amber Baldus, Samantha (Ben) Wester, Tyler Baldus, Robert Burke, Matthew Burke, Michael Burke, Adam Baldus, April (Josh) Pauley, Devan Baldus, Rylee Runyan, Cooper Runyan, Savannah Moore, Patrick Moore, Miah Graves, Lillian Graves, Gracie Graves and Bryce Graves; his 18 great-grandchildren; his sister, Arlene Knous; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents Alfred and Anselma Baldus; wife, Beulah Baldus; former wife, Susan Jones Daly; daughter, Kristen Runyan; brother, Vincent Baldus; infant sister, Mary Theresa Baldus; and infant brother, David Alfred Baldus.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at the Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel, 1006 6th Street, in Boone. Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M., Thursday, August 24, 2023, at the Church of the Sacred Heart, 915 12th Street, Boone. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Maury’s life. Burial will be in Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery, Boone.
The family would like to thank Westhaven Community and Mary Greeley Hospice for their care.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel at Sixth and Marshall Streets in Boone. Online condolences may be left to Maury’s family at www.schroedermemorialchapel.com.
