Henry McMahon, a former business owner and member of the Belle Plaine community, passed away on October 29, 2012 in Desert Hot springs, CA at the age of 91. Henry and his two triplet brothers were born on February 10, 1921 to Frank and Dorie McMahon in Villisca, Iowa. They were the youngest of the nine family children, all of which preceded Henry in passing. Henry graduated from Villisca High School in 1938. Following high school, Henry, ever the independent adventurer, "hitchhiked" to California where he worked before being drafted and serving with the army in WWII. He landed at Normandy on the 10th day of the invasion and fought his way with the 6th Armored Division to Dresden, Germany where he was when the war ended. Henry was very proud of his service and carried his Honorable Discharge in his wallet throughout his life. Upon his return, Henry enrolled at the University of Iowa where he met the love of his life, Marilyn Winders of Belle Plaine. They were married on June 10, 1949, the same day they graduated from the University. Henry and Marilyn made a number of life-long friends in Iowa City to include "JJ" and Betty (The Plum) Moore and of course "Big Arnie" Johnson. All of them were avid Hawkeye fans with Henry, Marilyn, their friends, and extended families attending homecoming for 52 years. After college, Henry worked for Champion Spark Plugs and Standard Oil and was well on his way up the "corporate ladder"; but instead chose to move back to Belle Plaine which he thought was a much better place to raise a family than the "big city". Henry first worked with his father in law, Chalmers Winders, in the Ford dealership but being much better suited to being "his own boss"; he purchased and operated McMahon Home Decorating in Belle Plaine for over 20 years. Henry and Marilyn, being both visionary and highly optimistic, purchased property at Holiday Lake before there was even water in the "Lake". The water eventually rose and the McMahons enjoyed many wonderful years at Holiday Lake, moving there full time in 1978. Henry and Marilyn loved "lake life" and their many dear friends especially their wonderful neighbors, Ron and Bille Jean Snyder and Larry and Jackie Betts, who could usually be found seated around the picnic table on the McMahon deck for "swill hour". They remained there until 2002 when they moved full time to Desert Hot Springs, CA where they had wintered for the previous 15 years. Marilyn passed away unexpectedly in 2003 but her presence remained forever in their home with numerous pictures, mementos and even Marilyn's favorite dish towels hanging on the oven. Henry remained in California with his "desert friends" and the Big Ten Network thru which he could follow his beloved Hawkeyes. Henry and Marilyn were a "storybook" couple, as much in love after 52 years as they were when they married in Iowa City. They were true reflections of the "greatest generation" and Henry will always be remembered as a devoted husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather. He was also a savvy businessman, great friend and an ultimate realist whose faith and emotional toughness carried him through the Great Depression, war and life alone without his true love, best friend and soulmate, Marilyn. Anyone who knew him will also remember his Irish wit and great one liners. ("If you're ever at the lake, drop in!") Henry was preceded in death by his parents, siblings and Marilyn. He is survived by his son Patrick (Linda) of Indianola, daughter Mary K (Steve Chorak) McMahon of Pueblo, Colorado and three grandsons Christopher McMahon, Mark McMahon(Abby) and Nicholas Chorak. A memorial service to celebrate Henry's life will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday December 15, 2012 at St Michaels church in Belle Plaine with a reception following at Noon.