Ronald L. Mau

Ronald L. Mau

December 4, 1937 – May 18, 2023

Ron Mau passed away on Thursday, May 18, 2023 in Omaha, Nebraska. He was 85 years old.  Ron is survived by his wife Donna Mau, his children Jeff Mau and wife Carol of Des Moines, Iowa, Paula Mau and spouse Michelle of Omaha, Nebraska, Ron Mau and wife Rochelle of Cullowhee, North Carolina, and Sara Mau and husband Jon Fagan of Omaha Nebraska; his grandchildren: Tanner Ward and wife Ashley, Cooper Ward and wife Anastasia, Ronnie Mau and wife Taryn, Rusty Mau and wife Selena, Mollie Martin, Zach Martin, Gracie Fagan and fiance, Bradean Evans, and Arthur Fagan; his great-grandchildren: Luna Mau, Arthur Fulton Ward, Blakey Ward, and (Ronald) Auggie Mau, and brother Dick Mau and wife Donna of Okoboji, Iowa.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Rufus and Helen Mau of Early, Iowa.

Ron Mau was born on December 4, 1937 in Storm Lake, Iowa. He graduated from high school in Early, Iowa in 1955 and attended Buena Vista University (BVU) in Storm Lake, Iowa on an athletic scholarship. In fact, a former student wrote to Ron saying he was “such a stud in football and baseball.” He met the love of his life, Donna, during practice after the “Best Tackle” he ever made, where he suffered a minor eye injury that caused him to have a red eye – which Donna noticed and felt sorry for him. They started dating soon after and they were married on June 1, 1958 in Milford, Iowa.

Upon graduation in 1959, Ron began teaching history and shared his love of sports as he began the baseball program in Jefferson, Iowa. He was named Coach of the Year in 1963 by BVU with a winning season of 17-1.

From 1966 until 1982 Ron worked a second career with Allied Chemical, then for various companies until his retirement in 2000. However, during this time and beyond, Ron’s love for athletics was an integral part of his life. He coached all of his kids in some capacity, attended their events, and celebrated baseball every season with the College World Series. Ron saw the beauty in baseball, particularly from a catcher’s point of view. He saw the patterns, the effort, and the teamwork as poetic. He loved the crack of the bat hitting the ball, the smack of the leather when the ball was caught, and the cheers of the crowd. Sitting with Ron at a baseball game was always a joyous event. He was inducted into the BVU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010.

Eternally optimistic, Ron had a love of fishing, observing wildlife, and reading Louis L’Amour books. Ron is remembered for his incredibly generous character, his kindness, and unending love for his family. When asked how he wants to be remembered, his response was:
“[I want to be remembered] for what is really important, like family and friends – with an emphasis on family. Oh sure, you would want people to say, ‘he seemed to be a good person, honest, trustworthy,’ and so on, but they really don’t know. But your family really does know, cause you can’t fool the people close to you. Go Family!”

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, June 3rd at 11 am at the West Center Chapel, followed by a luncheon.  In lieu of flowers the family has set up a scholarship fund at Buena Vista University. Checks can be made out to Buena Vista University; on the memo line please write Ron Mau Memorial Gift.

To view a live broadcast of the Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.