John E. Mahr, age 66, of Lime Springs, Iowa, died on Wednesday, January 24, 2018, at home surrounded by his loving family.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 29, 2018, at Notre Dame Parish, Cresco, Iowa, with Father Dennis Cain Officiating. Burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery, Cresco, Iowa. Visitation was held from 3-7 on Sunday, January 28, 2018, at the Heritage Events Center, 229 3rd Ave W., Cresco, Iowa, with rosary at 2:15 and scripture services following. Also visitation from 10-11 a.m. before the service at the church on Monday. The Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home is assisting the family.
John Eugene Mahr was born July 26, 1951, in Spring Grove, Minn., 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 on September 25, 1971, at Assumption Catholic Church in Cresco. To this union the couple had three children. 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, play 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 4-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 is preceded in death by his father Gene on July 29, 2016, and mother-in-law Doris Buckridge.