John E. Mahr

Monday, January 29, 2018 5:25 pm

John E. Mahr, 66, of Lime Springs, died Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018, at home surrounded by his loving family. Mass of Christian Burial was at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 29, at Notre Dame Parish, Cresco, with Father Dennis Cain officiating. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery, Cresco. Visitation was from 3 to 7 Sunday, Jan. 28, at the Heritage Events Center, 229 3rd Ave. W. Cresco, with rosary at 2:15 and scripture services following. Visitation also was from 10 to 11 a.m. before the service at the church Monday. The Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home assisted the family.

John Eugene Mahr was born July 26, 1951, in Spring Grove, MN, to Gene and Judy (Sollien) Mahr. He was a 1969 graduate of Crestwood High School. While eating at the local drive-in, his carhop, Deby Buckridge, caught his eye. They had their first date on Valentine’s Day. A few months later, they were married – Sept. 25, 1971, at Assumption Catholic Church in Cresco. To this union three children were born. Some of the many jobs John did over the years include farming with his brother Thom, Mahr Brothers Trucking with Neil, hauling for Cargill, John’s Feed and Supply, Seed Solutions, and driving semi over the road for Featherlite.

John’s true passion in life was farming. When he wasn’t bedding down the cattle or checking the crops, he enjoyed going for motorcycle rides, fishing, golfing and hunting. He liked to meet his “coffee buddies” at 5 a.m. each day and playing poker in Kendallville; and he enjoyed trying his luck at the casino occasionally.

John’s greatest joy was spending time with Deby and his family, especially his three precious granddaughters. When they weren’t snuggling in his recliner, he was feeding them chocolate and Mountain Dew. ‘Grandpa’s girls’ loved to go for four-wheel rides and hang out in his shop with him. There were always plenty of laughs when John and the granddaughters got together.

John will always be remembered for his quick smile and sense of humor, along with his strength, honesty, and love for his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife Deby of 46 years; two sons, Scott Mahr of Cresco and Bill (Angie) Mahr of Lime Springs; and daughter, Kathy Mahr, of Lime Springs; his mother, Judy Mahr, of Lime Springs; three granddaughters: Krista, Kaidence and Korie; 10 siblings: Michael (Gwen) Mahr, Beverly (Dale) Alstat, Barbara (Bill Tieskotter) Mahr, Thomas (Janet) Mahr, Neil (Janelle) Mahr, Gregory (Joyce) Mahr, Donna (Kelly) Thomas, Marlene (Pat) Ollendieck, Sharlene (Don) Hruska, and Debra (Kirk) Novak; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gene, July 29, 2016; and mother-in-law, Doris Buckridge.