Terry Lee Mahlman
Terry Lee Mahlman
July 10, 1949 — May 11, 2026
Terry Lee “Buddy” Mahlman was called to eternal peace May 11, 2026, following a brief hospitalization.
Terry was born July 10, 1949, in Wabasha, MN, to Ervin C. and Eileen U. (McQuiston) Mahlman. He was raised in Alma, WI. At the age of 12, Terry experienced the loss of his father to cancer and became the “man of the house,” a responsibility that helped shape his deep appreciation for family and commitment to those he loved.
He graduated from Alma High School and continued his education at Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire, earning a degree in accounting. While attending college, he worked at Presto in Eau Claire.
After graduation, he briefly pursued employment in Madison before realizing that country life was where he truly belonged. In 1975, he relocated to Hixton, WI, where his mother and sisters resided. He worked on his sister and brother-in-law’s farm before beginning a career at Nelson Muffler, where he faithfully worked for 32 years until his retirement.
June 1975 marked the beginning of a new chapter when Terry married Susan K. Jenks. Together they built a loving home, tended a beautiful garden and raised their family in Hixton. Their daughters, Shannon and Melissa, completed the family they cherished.
Family was the center of Terry’s life. He loved traveling and created countless memories on cross-country road trips with Susan, their daughters and grandsons. For several summers, he captained his pontoon boat on Lake Wissota, making memories his family will treasure forever. In retirement, gardening became his greatest passion. He could often be found on his John Deere tractor, tending his garden while wearing one of his favorite straw hats. When gardening season ended, he spent the fall cutting wood to keep the home fires burning.
In 1999, Terry embraced the role of grandfather with open arms. He was often seen carrying a grandson in a car seat, holding one in his arms or giving rides on his tractor. When getting ready for an adventure, he would often ask them, “Are you ready Buddy?,” and in turn they would reply, “Yes, I am Buddy.” Once his grandsons started calling him “Buddy,” everyone knew Terry simply as “Buddy.” It was a name he carried with pride and one for which he will always be remembered.
Buddy’s greatest joy was his family. He deeply loved his wife, children, grandchildren, extended family and friends. His in-laws, nieces and nephews all held a special place in his heart. He was a selfless and caring man whose generous spirit, quiet strength and unwavering devotion to others touched the lives of all who knew him. He was actively involved in serving his family, his church and those in need, and he lived his life guided by a strong and enduring faith.
Terry is survived by his beloved wife, Susan Mahlman; his daughters, Shannon (Darren) Dehnke and Melissa Mahlman; his grandchildren, Zachary Gaede, Justin Gaede, Evan Gaede, Cody Gaede, Keenan Dehnke and Jade (Evan) Mehre; his great-grandchildren, Lillian Mehre, Clara Mehre, Meredith Mehre, William Mehre, and Yeshaya Gaede; and his cherished furry companions, Bentley, Oliver, Tank, Duke and Moose.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ervin and Eileen Mahlman; his brother, Delbert Mahlman; his sisters, Gwendolyn Bahr and Sherry Woyczik; his nephews, Randy Sanborn, Craig Mahlman and George Bahr; and his niece, Penny Anderson.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Evangelical Lutheran Church in Black River Falls, WI. A memorial service will begin at 11 a.m., with a celebration of Terry’s life immediately following.
Buddy will be profoundly missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.