Ruth I. Mahr

Lawrence G. "Jim" Mahr, age 89, of Lancaster, died Wednesday morning, January 30, 2008 at Orchard Manor Nursing Home, rural Lancaster. Wednesday afternoon, his wife, Ruth Mahr, age 86, also died in the room they shared at Orchard Manor Nursing Home. Jim was born October 21, 1918 in Platteville, WI, the son of Lawrence and Bertha (Jentz) Mahr. Ruth was born September 12, 1921 in Stitzer, WI, the daughter of Bud and Nora (Bradley) Chandler. They were united in marriage on May 27, 1938 in Dubuque, IA. In May 1939, they moved to Lancaster. Jim worked for the R.E.A. Co-op (Scenic Rivers) as a line foreman from 1939 until his retirement in 1981. Ruth was employed at the Budget Shop in Lancaster. He enjoyed his family, and hunting. She enjoyed flowers and gardening. They enjoyed going fishing together and playing cards in their card club.

They are survived by two sons: Robert (Joyce) Mahr and Gary (Karen) Mahr, both of Lancaster; seven grandchildren: Steve (June) Mahr, Olympia, WA; Tina (Rick) Knutson, Cheryl (Todd) Walton, David (Karen R.) Mahr, Brian Mahr, all of Lancaster; Joseph (Kelli) Frommelt, Chesapeake, VA; Dawn (Andy) Droessler, Potosi; 20 great-grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Helen Roeder and Katherine Gillmann; his brother, John Mahr; and their grandson, D. J. Heiligenthal. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters: Dorothy Sweeney, and Jan Walker; and three brothers: Kenneth, Virgil, and Theodore Chandler.

Funeral services for Jim and Ruth were held on Saturday, February 2, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster with Father William Seipp officiating. Burial was in St. Clement Cemetery, Lancaster. Visitation was held Saturday, February 2, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church.