Earl R Riley
USMC
1951-1954
Earl Riley was born and raised in Des Moines Iowa. After graduation from Dowling High School, he attended St. Ambrose College in Davenport. He graduated from Ambrose with a degree in Biology. He also played on the Ambrose football team. While at Ambrose he met and married Irene Gatens from Iowa City. Shortly thereafter he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was stationed in San Diego for most of his service. He rose to the rank of Sergeant.
After his service he returned to Iowa City with his wife and a new baby. Upon moving to Iowa City, he purchased Maher Bros. Transfer and Storage from D.H. Maher. Mr. Maher was a good friend and business associate of Earl’s father-in-law Dan Gatens. Mr. and Mrs. Riley had an additional 5 children that they raised in Iowa City. Mr. Riley owned and managed Maher Bros. from the terminal he built at 2470 S. Riverside Drive. In 1992 he sold his business to two of his sons, Tom and Tim.
In his retirement he enjoyed travel and golf. Mr. Riley passed away in May of 2007.
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