Donald J. Mahling

Donald Mahling, 80, died unexpectedly on February 14, 2022, at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital. He was born in 1941 to Bernadine and Hugo Mahling. He was formerly married for 23 years to Judy, and afterward they remained lifelong friends. Don served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War where he earned special commendation for rifle marksmanship. As a member of the Military Police and Honor Guard, he escorted fallen soldiers and dignitaries to their final resting places including former President Herbert Hoover. He enjoyed telling stories about riding the rails across America on military missions. He loved to work and had a talent for business from an early age. As a kid he repaired small appliances to sell in front of his house and had a wagon full of tools. He started buying and selling cars before he could drive and graduated from Madison West High in 1959. His ultimate profession was sales and he loved “putting the sell” on people. His self-employed careers included antique dealer, real estate broker, computer guru, and the car business. He even took on a full-time job in his late seventies at the VA Hospital because he liked being around other veterans. Whether he was country line dancing, fixing bikes, or learning to play the harmonica, Don had a zest for life. He will be missed by his daughter Barb and the many friends he made over a lifetime. For those who knew him, the world will seem less colorful without his dry sense of humor and intriguing ideas which were always ahead of their time. A private memorial service will take place with inurnment at Forest Hill Cemetery in Madison, Wis. All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services of Madison is assisting the family. Online condolences can be made at www.866allfaiths.com.