Paul Mahlen

Paul Mahlen, age 72, of Erskine, MN, passed away on Monday, January 22^nd, at his home with his family by his side. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 3^rd, at the Win-E-Mac High School gymnasium in Erskine, Minnesota with the Rev. Pam Thorson officiating. Family will greet friends from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday (February 3^rd) at the school. Interment and military honors will be held in the spring with honors provided by the Bailey-Throne American Legion Post #596 of Erskine. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of Erskine and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com. 

Paul Richard Mahlen was born on October 8, 1951, in Crookston, Minnesota to parents Levi and Ila (Bradley) Mahlen. He grew up in Erskine and graduated from Erskine High School in 1969. After high school, he attended Mayville State University where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Education in 1974. 

He was united in marriage to Kimberley Johnson on July 12, 1975, at his grandparent’s farm. The farm, known as the Bernt Mahlen farm, was established in 1904. It is here, on Little Lake Sarah, that Paul and Kim would live and raise their three sons, Nathan, Jeremy, and Matthew.

Paul worked at the Mentor Hartz Store as a young man for three years. After his college years, he worked in the Polk County Assessor’s Office for 12 years and retired from Minnkota Power Cooperative after 23 years of service. Though he formally retired, Paul liked to keep busy. After retirement, he worked as a rural mail carrier for U.S. Postal Service in the Erskine and McIntosh area, R & L Ride Service and, for six years, with Carlin Family Funeral Service. 

In addition to his employment, Paul was a servant in his community and for his country. He was in the Army National Guard from 1971-1979 (Staff Sergeant), Erskine Fire Department for 20 years (Chief for 15 years), Director of the Minnesota State Fire Department Association for 15 years (and Life Member), Member of the Minnesota State Fire Chief’s Association for 10 years, Erskine City Council, Senior Member of the International Right of Way Association, Win-E-Mac School Board, Life Member of Grace Lutheran Church (Church Council and Choir), and member of the Bailey-Throne American Legion Post #596 of Erskine for 35 years (Past Commander). While he was Post Commander, Paul meticulously cared for the U.S. Flags at the Legion Park in Erskine. 

If you were looking for Paul in the summer, you might find him on his lawn mower at the farm. He had a large yard and it seemed to always get bigger. He enjoyed mowing. He also is known in the area for his large Christmas lighting display at his house which brought enjoyment for many people and families throughout the years. 

Paul’s faith was evident throughout his life. Though it was a quiet faith, it was a strong faith. If you knew Paul, you will remember him for his great outlook on life. He was a wonderful example of positive thinking. He will also be remembered for the way that he cared for his family and the love that he had for his grandchildren. Spending time with family was of utmost importance. He loved attending his children’s and grandchildren’s events through the years and was very proud of them and their achievements. 

Even in the face of a difficult cancer outlook, Paul maintained the positive attitude and faith that carried him for his life. Paul passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday morning, January 22, 2024, at the age of 72 years.

Survivors include his wife, Kim, of Erskine; three sons, Nathan (Rochelle) of Fosston, Jay (Leah) of Erskine, and Matthew (Ashlie) of Princeton, MN; seven grandchildren, Noah, Brynlea, Lexi, Anberlin, Tyus, Elias, and Trey; one brother, Mike (Sallie) of Wadena, MN; two aunts, Aimee Ness of McIntosh and Marilyn Bradley of Rhinelander, WI; one uncle, Don Hamre of Erskine; brother-in-law, Randy (Michelle) Johnson of Erskine; and sister-in-law, Denice (Al) St. Michel of Nampa, ID. Nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Roger Johnson; brother-in-law, Scot Johnson; and several aunts and uncles.