Jean Mahler

Jean Diane Sterling Mahler died peacefully in her home on August 29, 2014 from lung cancer at the age of 80. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Rodney Mahler and her three children, David (Marilee)Mahler, Heidi (Gregg) Heinsch and Gayle (David) Eckert and 9 grandchildren Michael (Dara Cameron) Mahler, Laura Mahler, Jacob (Denice) Mahler and Zachary Mahler; Luke (Traci) Heinsch, Leah (Ryan) McDaniel and Taylor Heinsch; and Sierra Eckert and Caleb Eckert. She also has 2 great grandchildren Piper and Cannon Heinsch, with two more on the way.

Jean was born on August 8, 1934 to Maxine and Walter Sterling in a farmhouse outside of Faribault, Minnesota. She lived her entire life in Faribault, growing up with 3 sisters, Rae Giovanelli, Sally Limanen and Carol (Ken) Beaupre. She attended Faribault High School and was the Homecoming Queen, graduated in 1952 and attended college at Mankato State. She married Rod on June 11,1955. They lived in Heidelberg Germany for 2 years while Rod served in the Army. Jean and Rod came home and ran the family hardware store until it was sold in 1984. She and Rod then worked together as realtors from 1992-2012 when she retired. She also gave tirelessly to the community: as Downtown Faribault Association Coordinator from the late 1980's for 6 years, as the Immaculate Conception Rosary Society president, the first woman President of the Faribault Chamber of Commerce and member of the Faribault Heritage Preservation Committee, Faribault Senior Housing Authority, Keller Club Member; and won the Junior Chamber Honorary Scroll Award for community service.

Jean was a devoted wife and mother, and lovingly gave of herself always to benefit family. Her "family" often included many of her children's friends, to whom she was a confidant and teacher and always there to listen. Jean loved her children, her grandchildren and her great grandchildren, and especially loved buying Christmas presents for them all, which was a yearlong process of thoughtful discernment. She was a solid support and loving wife to Rod as they completed their entire married life journey together, travelling across the world, visiting kids and grandkids across the country; attending sporting events, performances, graduations and weddings. Nearly every photo of Jean is either with Rod or her family. Jean always wore purple and lived her life to the fullest as only "the purple lady" could do. She walked through life deeply rooted in her faith in God and was a deep well of love and strength for us all.

We love you with all our heart and soul and will miss you always.

Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory in Faribault on Sunday, August 31, 2014 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. and for one hour prior to the services at the church on Monday. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Faribault on Monday, September 1, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Maple Lawn Cemetery in Faribault.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to Faribault Area Hospice, as they have so lovingly cared for Jean for over a year.