Richard Mahler

Richard Wesley Mahler passed away peacefully at St. Marys Hospital on June 29, 2020. He died of natural causes unrelated to Covid 19. Rick was born on January 13, 1923 in Waseca, MN. His family moved to Winnebago, MN when Rick was a boy. In high school he lettered in football and there he met his future wife, Phyllis Loft, which began a romance that lasted 80 years. They were married on December 5, 1944 in Pensacola, FL where Rick was serving as a Navy Flight Instructor. After WW II he attended the University of Minnesota graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting. Rick began his career with the FBI in Baltimore, later transferring to Minneapolis and in 1958 was assigned Special Agent in Rochester, MN. He and Phyl raised four children, were life-long members of Christ United Methodist Church and enjoyed many family vacations, including frequent skiing trips to Colorado. After retiring from the Bureau, he and Phyl traveled, enjoyed winters in Florida and spent countless hours tending the gardens at Mayowood where she was a founding member of Friends of Mayowood. Rick looked forward to summer fishing trips, duck hunting trips to Canada and Lutefisk dinners with friends. He had a wonderful sense of humor and really was "one of a kind." He is survived by three children, Will (Sarah) of Rochester, Mary (Gary) of Hummelstown, PA and Susan of Minneapolis, nine grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren and three sisters. Burial will take place at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis with a private family service. A special thank you to the wonderful staff at the Waters on Mayowood Memory Care Unit for the kindness and loving care they bestowed upon Rick and Phyl. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes is honored to be serving the Mahler family. To leave a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com