J. David Mackin

J. David Mackin, 84, of DeWitt, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

John David Mackin was born August 11, 1940, with his twin brother, Joseph Daniel, the 4th and 5th of 7 sons born to Francis and Alma (McManus) Mackin in Davenport, Iowa. After graduating from DeWitt High School in 1958, he began an apprenticeship at ALCOA, starting his 40+ years at the plant. He married Carolyn Syslo on August 19, 1961. The couple resided in DeWitt, where they were blessed with 7 children.

David and 'the Mackin boys' were well-known in Dewitt for many years.  They delivered milk for Meadow Gold Dairy, and later 6 of the 7 worked at Alcoa.  David taught many apprentices in the machine shop during his career.  Following retirement, he was a consultant for several metal production companies. He enjoyed fishing, mowing, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Surviving are his wife of 63 years, Carolyn; children, Sue Risinger of DeWitt, Christy (Cory Diehl) Ottens of Milledgeville, IL, Bill (Nancy) Mackin of Hiawatha, Cindy Mackin of DeWitt, Theresa (Greg) Murphy of Braidwood, IL, Angie (Tim) Ocker of Gilbert, AZ, and Jim (Kristina) Mackin of Gilbert, AZ; 20 grandchildren, Andy (Abby) Risinger, Sarah (Nate McFee) Risinger, Amanda (Cody) Meyer, Cecilia (Sean Wise) Ottens, Kyle (Meg Litwiller) Ottens, Samantha (Bradley Whitener) Mackin, Calvin (Emily Czotter) Mackin, Alex (Emma Barthelme) Mackin, Spencer (Caitlyn Flanagan) Strnad, Hunter (Lindsay Wide) Strnad, Mikayla (Cory) Cummard, Madison Murphy, Zack (Patience) Ocker, Emma (Jesse) Gonzales, Ben (Emily Ossentjuk) Ocker, Hanna Ocker, Timmy Ocker, Josh (Nakita Green) Ocker, Johnny Mackin, and Danny Mackin; 13 great-grandchildren, Olivia, Jensen, Bryar, Hailey, Landrie, Avery, Ryan, Hazel, Evelyn, Coral, Remi, Quincy, and Micah; a sister-in-law, Madonna Mackin; bonus daughter, Bonnie Aiken Grigsby; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his aunt, Esther, and brothers, Eugene (Orda), Robert (Margaret), Richard, Daniel, Thomas (Sue), and Jim.

The family will greet relatives and friends at an open house and lunch at TYCOGA on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. A celebration of life will be planned in the summer at the farm for friends and family to gather and share stories.

In lieu of flowers, please honor his memory by helping a neighbor or someone in need.

Arrangements are in the care of Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. Condolences may be expressed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com

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