John Mahling

John F. Mahling, Age 74 of Little Falls, died on August 2, 2007, peacefully at home surrounded by family after a year long battle with cancer. Viewing at St. James Catholic Church in Randall, MN on Monday August 6th from 4:00-7:00 p.m., with parish prayers at 5:30. Mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday August 7th, also at St. James Catholic Church, at 10:30 a.m.
He was born on April 26, 1933 at St. Gabriel's hospital in Little Falls, the son of Albert Mahling and Margaret (Nell) Mahling nee Treacy. He grew up in Randall, Minnesota with his six older siblings.

John graduated from Little Falls Community High School in 1951 and immediately went to serve in Korea as an Army Infantry Squad Leader from 1951-52. Upon his return, he attended St. John's University and St. Cloud State University from which he graduated with a degree in teaching. In 1958 John married Kathleen (Prozinski), also of Randall, with whom he shared 49 loving years of marriage.

John worked as an elementary school teacher in Willmar and Hopkins, Minnesota before pursuing a career with IBM's educational subsidiary, Science Research Associates. In 1975 John moved with his family to their long-time lake home on Green Prairie Fish Lake. After moving to Little Falls, he worked 23 years at the Brainerd State Hospital. He retired in 1998 as Director of the Aurora Chemical Dependency Program.

John was an avid golfer, fisherman, hunter, and was passionately interested and involved in community and public affairs. He was a member of many veteran organizations, including the Randall VFW, where he served as commander and quartermaster; the Disabled American Veterans; the American Legion; the Minnesota and National Korean War Veterans Association, 25' Infantry Division; and the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Association. He also was involved in many community organizations, including the Hopkins Education Association, the St. James Parish Council, the Green Prairie Fish Lake Landowners' Association, and the Boards of Directors of several chemical dependency programs.

Although he was dedicated to his work and many interests, his true devotion was to his wife and family. He was especially proud of his five daughters.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Margaret Mahling; sisters Ellen Hegg and Florence King; and brother William. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; daughters Ann Geddes (Eugene) of Columbia MD, Pam Mahling of New York Mills MN, Wendy Mahling (Bill Fishbein) of Plymouth MN, Holly Mahling (Paul Mumma) of St. Louis Park MN and Jennifer Mahling-Stadum (Chad Stadum) of Brainerd MN; sister, Mary (Don) Webb; brothers Robert (Marilyn) Mahling and Albert (Jean) Mahling; sisterin-law Verde Mahling; and seven grandchildren.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Randall Funeral Home. www.brenny.com