Walter J. Mahr
Walter J. Mahr, 86, of Dorchester died Friday, December 22, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 27 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dorchester with Fr. Mark Osterhaus and Rev. Msgr. Ed Lechtenberg officiating and burial with military honors at the church cemetery. Friends may call from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, December 26 at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon, where there will be a 7 p.m. scripture service.
Walter John Mahr was born March 13, 1931 at the hospital in Spring Grove, MN, the son of Walter J. and Mayme (Schwartzhoff) Mahr. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dorchester and attended Washington grade school in rural Dorchester.
Wally proposed to Marianne Teff by asking her if she would be the mother of his children; she said yes and July 10, 1954 they were married at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. From 1955-1957, Wally and Marianne lived in Oklahoma while Wally served in the U.S. Army. He returned home to continue doing what he loved most in life, besides family, and that was farming; over the years, he and Marianne raised everything on their farm: dairy cows, hogs, chickens, sheep and crops. Wally also spent time restoring a John Deere 8630. He was a member of Farm Bureau, NFO, and a shareholder in Tri-State Feeds in New Albin. His last big business venture was W & M Ag in 2012.
Wally belonged to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dorchester and served on the board as well. He was also involved with the Knights of Columbus in Waukon and the Spring Grove American Legion. He enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Wally also enjoyed taking money from anyone that would sit down and play card games such as bourre’, euchre and poker.
He is survived by his wife, Marianne, of Dorchester; his children: Theresa (William) Amunrud and Kristine (Steve) Stock, both of Dorchester, Patricia (Jerald) Oakes of Spring Grove, MN, Francis (Linda) Mahr and Mark (Julie) Mahr, both of Dorchester, Gary (Kelly) Mahr of Waukon, Luke (Jan) Mahr of Dorchester, Michelle (Pat Fabio) Mahr of St. Paul, MN, Susan (Mike Connell) Mahr of Decorah, Raymond (Donna) Mahr and Amy (Kim) Welch, both of Waukon, Casey (Devora) Mahr of Postville and Wally (Traci) Mahr of Dorchester; 41 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and two sisters-in-law, Judy Mahr of Cresco and Lois Mahr of South Sioux City, NE.
Wally was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Joseph Dean Mahr; a grandson, Jared Mahr; four brothers: Joseph, Reginald, Eugene and Raymond; and four sisters: Genevieve, Lou Mae, Madaline and Margie.
Honorary casketbearers are Robert Meiners, Dennis Bresnahan, Mark Williams, Bill Majhenich, Richard Knopes and Karl Fetting. Casketbearers are Wally’s sons. Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.
