Mahlon Jacob Dier

Mahlon Jacob Dier, 98, lifelong resident of Algoma, died peacefully in the comfort of his home, early Saturday morning, August 10, 2024 with family at his side.

He was born at home in Algoma on March 7, 1926, the son of Alfred Albert Dier and Elizabeth Veronica (Fett) Dier. Mahlon grew up attending St. Mary Catholic Church and School in Algoma. He attended Algoma High School with the Class of 1944. Mahlon wasn't able to attend high school graduation ceremony as he was already drafted to serve his country with the United States Navy, entering into active service on March 6, 1944. Mahlon was stationed at Great Lakes Naval Base, Great Lakes, IL. He was honorably discharged from the Naval Reserves on December 10, 1945 with the rank of Apprentice Seaman. Through his service, Mahlon was awarded the American Theater Victory Bar. He initially went on to study at St. Ambrose College in Davenport, IA before transferring to Marquette College in Milwaukee where he was part of the Naval ROTC program.

Mahlon was united in marriage to Jeanette Marie Holub on September 11, 1948 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Algoma. Mahlon and Jeanette were blessed with nearly 74 years of marriage. Jeanette passed away July 24, 2022, just two months shy of their 74th anniversary.

A lifelong member of St. Mary Parish, he sang in the St. Cecilia Choir and the New Life Choir later on. Mahlon also served on the School Board for St. Mary Catholic School and on education committees for the Diocese of Green Bay. Mahlon built the Altar and the Baptismal font, both of which are still utilized today.

Mahlon had a strong work ethic that began back in grade school when he delivered groceries and newspapers. In the mid-1950's, he established Dier Manufacturing in Algoma, which became Algoma Wood Industries. In March of 1959, Mahlon and Eugene LeBotte partnered to form Dier and LeBotte Builders, which became Forestville Builders and Supply when the partners purchased a lumberyard in Forestville, Wisconsin. Many fine homes and cabinetry were built throughout Northeastern Wisconsin. They expanded their business to include commercial buildings and built post offices throughout Wisconsin. Mahlon and fellow community business partners helped establish the Algoma Hardwoods after the U.S. Plywood announced the closing of the Algoma site. With the Kool City Investors (KCI) group, he helped to build the River Hills Motel in Algoma. Mahlon and Jeanette purchased and renovated the former Woodside School (Ahnapee Township) and rebuilt a cottage on the site after a devastating fire in 1975. Many family gatherings were held at the Woodside Cottage.

He cared deeply about the Algoma community and served on the Algoma School Board and was a former Treasurer. Mahlon was also a CSEA 9 Board Delegate. He was a founding member of the Algoma Chamber of Commerce and helped write the first "Friendly Algoma" booklet. Mahlon was a former member of the Forestville-Maplewood Lions Club. 

As a veteran, he was a lifelong member of the American Legion Post 372 of Forestville and was a former Post Commander. Mahlon was also elected to serve as the second Vice Commander for the 9th District of the American Legion. 

Mahlon’s passion for woodworking continued, and he carved many crucifixes for his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling. and producing maple syrup. Jeanette and Mahlon enjoyed traveling with Marvin and Grace Dier and Patti and Gene LeBotte. In their retirement years, they spent winters in Gulf Shores, AL, and were founding members of Wisconsin Snowbirds of Gulf Shores.

Mahlon will be missed by his children, Mary (Roger) Nelson, Algoma, Laura (Gary) Krzysiak, Algoma, Kristine (Floyd) Dauenhauer, Wisconsin Rapids, Peggy Lynn, Algoma, Thomas (Laurie) Dier, Ahnapee Township, Jacqueline (Kurt Bullard) Toepfer, Ahnapee Township, Jeffrey (Alana) Dier, Ahnapee Township, and Michelle (Daniel) Bastian, Menasha; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Christine (Jerry) Blohowiak, Jennifer (Mark Carrick) Blohowiak (Sadie, Caleb, and Carson), Eric Nelson (daughter, Lily), Andrew (Kristina) Krzysiak (Landon and Claire), Laura (Frandy) Francois (Genevieve and Olivia), Paul (Kendra) Dauenhauer (Eleanor), Julia Dauenhauer, Karl (Becca) Dauenhauer (Henry and Katie Dauenhauer and Jordan Hall), Josh (Molly) Schwader (Jack and Levi), Lindsey St. Arnold (Jesse) Bell, Greg (Jill Drzewiecki) St. Arnold (daughter, Aja), Logan Dier (Adrian, Avalyn, and Abel), Austin Dier, Evan Dier, and William Toepfer, Rebecca (Ryan) Bouche (Mehryn, Jackson and Charlotte), Elizabeth (Brett) Anschutz (Edwin and Adalynn), and Anna (Ty) Grovogel; sister-in-law, Annabelle Dier, Casco; many nieces and nephews; other relatives; and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; great-grandson, Elden Steinhoff; siblings, Norman Dier and Marvin (Grace) Dier; siblings-in-law, Richard (Evelyn) Ronsman and Edwin (Irene) Ronsman, Libby (Hubert) Bero, Molly (Lorenzo) Hoffman, Lillian (Harland) Mauer, and Germaine (Ben) Blaha; and other relatives.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be prayed at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, August 16, 2024 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Algoma with Fr. Andrew Kurz as celebrant. He will be laid to rest in the church cemetery beside his wife, Jeanette, with military honors by the United States Navy and the George W. Goetz Forestville American Legion Post 372.

Visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 15, 2024 at Schinderle Funeral Home in Algoma with a parish wake service to be held at 7:30 p.m. and led by Fr. George Daniel. Visitation will continue at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 11:10 a.m.

Memorials may be given in his honor for the EAS Foundation; the Parkinson's Association; or Unity Hospice.

"Our family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the dedicated caregivers, Shelly, Dawn Sarah, Nicole, and Conchita and the staff at Unity Hospice for the wonderful and compassionate care that was given to our parents."

Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Mahlon may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.SchinderleFuneralHome.com.

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