(L-R): Gary Schaudt, MCC Foundation President; Carol Geil, MCC Foundation Executive Director; Mary Quam, Jeff’s mother; and Tyler Green, Worshipful Master of Marshall Lodge #108
Masonic Lodge donates $4,000 to scholarship fund at MCC
MARSHALLTOWN – Marshalltown Masonic Lodge #108 members presented an addition to the Jeff Quam Memorial Scholarship through the Marshalltown Community College Foundation this month. The new $4,000 donation will enhance the original gift of $8,064.82 that established the fund.
The Marshalltown Masonic Lodge #108 Jeff Quam Memorial Scholarship was created in memory of Jeff Quam. Jeffrey Edward “Jeff” Quam was born in Marshalltown March 31, 1957, the son of Robert and Mary Quam. He died Dec. 22, 2006, under Iowa River Hospice care. Jeff attended Norris and Woodbury Elementary Schools, Anson Junior High, and was a 1976 graduate of Marshalltown High School. He participated in Junior Achievement and began his career in retail sales through the MHS distributive education program at Woolco, later attending Marshalltown Community College.
Jeff’s love of local history was kindled at a special interest summer course while he was a student at Woodbury. As an adult, he left employment with Titus True Value to become the administrator of the Historical Society of Marshall County. After completing his role as administrator, Jeff continued on the Historical Society board and returned to Thompson True Value. He was Historical Society board president at the time of his death.
Jeff’s other compelling interest was the Marshalltown Masonic Organizations and many hours were spent at the Masonic Temple. He served as Worshipful Master of Marshall Lodge No. 108, A.F. & A.M. and each of the York Rite bodies: High Priest of Signet Chapter No. 38, R.A.M.; Illustrious Master of King Solomon Council No. 20, R.&S.M.; and Eminent Commander of St. Aldemar Commandery No. 30, K.T. Jeff organized upgrades to the Masons’ fifth floor meeting space and also was on the Masonic Holding Corporation board that oversees the Temple building operations, serving as president prior to his death. Jeff was given a Masonic service at his funeral.
Jeff’s family requested memorials made in his memory be directed to the Historical Society of Marshall County for the renovation of Taylor #4 (the Weatherbee School) or to establish a Marshall Masonic Lodge Scholarship fund. The Masons decided to use the scholarship monies for Marshalltown Community College students majoring or minoring in history.
In 2007 the members of Polar Star Lodge No. 113 at LeGrand were in the process of closing their lodge and merging with Marshall Lodge No. 108. The members voted that $8,000 of Polar Star Lodge’s monies be directed to Jeff’s scholarship fund.
Creating a memorial scholarship is one way to establish a legacy and financially assist MCC students and future students with their education. Anyone interested in learning more about starting a scholarship at MCC can contact Carol Geil at 641-844-5747.