John Edward Maurus, 70, of Rock Island, peacefully passed away at home on October 19, 2023, with his wife and daughters by his side. Born in Moline on March 17, 1953, to parents Hellen (Nordin) and Robert L. Maurus, John grew up in Rock Island and had, as he described, the "best childhood."

John graduated from Rock Island High School in 1971. John would tell you he then attended Euchre University, where he schooled many people along the way.  John was involved in opening the first Happy Joe's in Milan, later managing several franchises in St. Louis.  He worked at the St. Louis airport for 17 years before returning to the Quad Cities in 1993. He served as Warehouse Manager for LinguiSystems and as an Inventory Control Coordinator with XPAC prior to retirement.

John's life was defined by his love for family and friends. John married Deena Sharp on December 31, 1994. Weeks before his death from pancreatic cancer, he said Deena gave him a wonderful life. John loved listening to and playing music; rooting for Illinois sports teams from the Chicago Bears, Bulls, and Cubs to the Fighting Illini to the Rock Island Rocks; fishing trips to Michigan; golfing; and tending to the grass and flowers in his immaculate yard. John had an open-door policy: if his garage door was open, his many friends were welcome to pull up a seat and enjoy good company. John's children were the center of his life, and his grandchildren were his pride and joy.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Deena Maurus; children, Christopher Cushman, Taylor Maurus, and Signe Maurus; grandchildren, Alexia, Olivia, Joseph, Carter, Kajsa, Nolan, Tatum, and John "Miguel"; great-grandson, Colter; brother, Jeffrey (Jo Ellen) Maurus; sisters, Marsha (Kirk) Zaranti and Gina (Dave) Bergstrom; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, October 27, 2023, at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island. The service will be available via live stream by visiting www.wheelanpressly.com/rock-island-live-stream.  Visitation will be at the funeral home from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, October 26, 2023.  Inurnment will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery, Rock Island.

Online condolences, memories, and expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at wheelanpressly.com. Memorials may be made in the care of the family to establish a memorial fund soon.