Obituary of Ralph E. Mahl

Ralph Edwin Mahl, Sr. of James Twp., Michigan Passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Monday, October 10, 2016. He was 81 years old. Ralph Edwin Mahl was born on April 3, 1935 in Spaulding Twp., Michigan to the late Henry and Mildred (Kelly) Mahl. At a the young age of 17 Ralph left school to serve his country during the Korean War with the US Marine Corps from 1952-1955. He then re-enlisted with the US Air Force from 1956-1960. Following his service he was a member of the 47th Bomb Wing Association 14th TAC, B66 Destroyer Association 19th TAC, V.F.W. Post #1566 and American Legion Post #439. On July 7, 1979 Ralph was united in marriage to his sweetheart and love of his life, Dorothy Amelia Krueger. Together they enjoyed traveling to Europe, Canada and throughout the United States. For the past 20 years they enjoyed wintering in Port Aransas, TX. In 1992, Ralph accomplished one of his greatest achievements when he earned his GED from Swan Valley High School. He was a faithful member of Ascension Lutheran Church and he enjoyed gardening, riding his bike, and relaxing in his garage and on the deck. Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy; children: Ralph Jr. (Tammy) Mahl, Michael (Carolyn) Davison, Jeffrey Davison and Jennifer Davison; grandchildren: John Mahl, Brittany Mahl, Rachel Bascom and Mikey Davison; 3 great grandchildren; brothers: Gerald (Barbara Jo) Mahl and David Mahl; sisters, Beverly Brush and Karen (Charlie) Houghtaling; uncle, Raymond Kelly; exchange student "Daughters": Stephanie Kroth of Germany, Rikke Nielsen of Denmark, Marta Rodin of Sweden, Flavia Sabate of Brazil, Annemette (Tomas) Nielsen of Denmark and her children: Kirstine, Nikolaj and Rasmus Jensen; Minori Yamaguchi of Japan; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Ralph will also be dearly missed by his special friends: Marion (Paul) Marschner, Doreen (Dale) Buddle, John and Myrna Cammin, Shelia and Don Anderson of Ontario, Canada, Willie Groeger of Wisconsin and Bill Hook of Colorado. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Ralph Mahl, III. Ralph's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to staff of VNA Hospice, especially Mary, Donald, Neema and Shirley. FUNERAL: A funeral service for Ralph will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 14, 2016 at Ascension Lutheran Church, 8695 Gratiot Rd., Saginaw. Rev. Julie Bailey will officiate. Military honors will be held at the church following the funeral service under the auspices of the U.S. Air Force and American Legion Post #439. According to Ralph's wishes cremation will follow the funeral service. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Thursday, October 13, 2016 from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation to the Paralyzed Vets of Michigan, Ascension Lutheran Church or VNA Hospice. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com