Joseph Gerald Mara, 57, of Iowa City, formerly of Cedar Rapids, died Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids.  Private family inurnment will be at a later date in Eastman, Wisconsin.  Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, May 16, 2016 at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling Street SW.

Joseph was born August 8, 1957 in Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin, the son of Joseph and Martha (DuCharme) Mara.  Joe suffered a brain injury in 1973.  He spent 42 years in a wheelchair, never giving up.  At age 55, he fulfilled his lifelong dream of living in a group home, and making his own decisions.  He loved going to work and earning a regular paycheck for the first time in over 40 years.  He lived every year to go to Camp Courageous with his friends.  Joe was a great advocate for those with brain injuries.  He enjoyed playing cards, watching the Hawkeyes, Packers and the Dodgers.

Joseph is survived by his mother, Martha of Amana; his siblings Doris (Neil) Glass, Judy (Larry) Block, Donna (Garreth) Milam, Bob (Mitsue) Mara, Dick (Marie) Mara, Dave (Julie) Mara, Bill (Trish) Mara, Greg (Penny) Mara, Ellen Mara and Tim (Cyndi) Mara; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, and a brother Gerald Mara.

Memorials may be directed to Camp Courageous in his name.