SPARTA - David “Dave” Ambrose Mahan, died Saturday January 6, 2024 at Gundersen Lutheran Health Systems, La Crosse. He was 75 years old.
Dave was born March 12, 1948, in Vernon County, to Newell and Martha (Severson) Mahan. From an early age, Dave became a hard worker by helping on the family farm. His education began by walking to the one-room Oak Grove School, with his brothers and sisters. Dave later graduated from Bangor High School.
After graduating high school, Dave began working at JI Case, then moved on to Chrysler Corporation in Belvidere, IL. At that time, Dave and his family lived in Rockford, IL. While working for Chrysler, Dave was drafted into the US Army and served with the 9th Infantry Division in the Vietnam War. In 1970, Dave was honorably discharged from the US Army with 2 Purple Hearts.
After being discharged from the military, Dave returned to Chrysler Corporation where he worked until moving back to the Sparta area with his wife and children. Upon returning to Sparta, Dave worked at the Sparta Foundry until he accepted employment at Fort McCoy. There, he spent many years as a heavy equipment operator and later became a military police officer. Dave took an early retirement from Fort McCoy, so he could spend more time with his family.
Dave married Susan Erickson (Omalza) at the United Methodist Church in Sparta on April 13, 1974. Dave and his family continued living in Sparta.
Dave enjoyed spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, socializing with friends, working on cars (especially anything Oldsmobile), reading, doing crossword puzzles, and scratching off lottery tickets.
Dave was a hardworking man who will be remembered as a great provider; always putting others first. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Susan Mahan; children, Laura (Ryan Schmitz) Mahan-Schmitz, Aaron Mahan, and Eric (Shannon Olson) Mahan; grandchildren, Mercedes, Landon, and Xander; great-grandchildren, Myla and Axl; siblings, Mary Ann (Ron) Stingl, Richard (Bonnie) Mahan, Patty (Jim) Garves, Charles Mahan, and Lorraine (Willie) Mahan; cousins near Rising Sun; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends.
In addition to his parents; he was preceded in death by his siblings, Paul Mahan, Geraldine Johnson, Rita Torgerud, Charlotte Arentz, Don “Duke” Mahan, and Lawrence Severson; and many extended family members and friends.
Per Dave’s wishes, there will be no funeral services. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation
