John F. Mahler

John F. Mahler went to be with his Lord and Savior September 19, 2010, at his home with his family by his side.

John was born to William Cordon and Floy Elsie (Perdew) Mahler on January 26, 1925, in Arcada Township, and resided in Gratiot County all of his life. He graduated from Ithaca High School in 1943 and from MSU Agricultural Shortcourse in 1948. He married Jean Adams of St. Louis and celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary in August 2010.

His true life long passion was farming and raising their five children. He also worked at the Alma trailer plant, St. Johns Stock Yards, construction, and Fulton Twp. Board of Review for 23 years. He attended Ithaca Church of God and loved serving the Lord. He also loved hunting, music, wood working, and traveling.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jean; his daughters: Jane Mahler of Nokomis, Florida, Joy (Ed) Mahler Benson of Nokomis, Florida, and Jill (Martin) Lott of Ithaca; his sons: John (Kelly) Mahler of Kansas City, Missouri, and Jan (Tamara) Mahler of Perrinton; 14 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; his sister Nina Fern (Robert) Guild of Ithaca; and his brother Gordon (Mary) Mahler of Saginaw. He was preceded in death by his parents and 2 granddaughters.

Funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday, September 22, 2010, at 11 AM at the Ithaca Church of God, with Pastors James Conn and Dr. Gary Ball officiating. Burial will be in the North Star Cemetery. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made to Ithaca Church of God.