Donald “Don” H. Mahlum
Donald Henry Mahlum, 94, formerly of Galesville & Ettrick, died at Grand View Care Center, May 4, 2021.
He was born June 5, 1926, in French Creek, rural Ettrick, to Henry and Hazel (Amoth) Mahlum and graduated from Blair High School. He was also a graduate of the Riesch American School of Auctioneering at Mason City, IA, and was an auctioneer in his early years.
Don bought and farmed the family farm after his father retired. He married Edna Mae Pederson Twesme, March 20, 1976. There were no children born to this marriage. Edna was previously married to John Twesme and they had four children. Don and Edna enjoyed traveling, with their most memorable trips being to Hawaii, Norway, Jerusalem and Egypt. Don and Edna complemented each other nicely — he introduced her to a broad spectrum of friends and she brought order to his life.
Don had a desire to recognize and respect the energy and work of making French Creek and Trempealeau a rural county. He came up with an idea for the Allen Redsten French Creek History Project which consisted of four videos that documented the amount of work that went into being farmers in the early 20th century. “A Bushel of Oats” was about farming based on horsepower and “Gifts from the Woods” included interviews of what it was like using wood as fuel. Don recreated the use of those techniques in the documentaries and incorporated some live footage from his own personal 8mm tapes into his productions. He recognized the power of video and served as the coordinator for videotaping French Creek Lutheran service so it could be on the local cable channel.
Don had an incredibly strong faith and evolving spiritual awareness. He belonged to a fellowship group and took turns hosting and choosing the topic for discussion. He was incredibly generous to newcomers to the area and was always willing to help. Don had a passion for always doing the right thing.
Survivors include his nephew, Glen (Kim) Mahlum of Ettrick; niece, Diana (Jeff) Rademacher of Rochester, MN; niece/Goddaughter, Denise (Chris) Boeding of Ely, IA; nephew, David (Debra) Mahlum of Germantown; sister-in-law, Marilyn Mahlum of Holmen; stepchildren: Gwen Twesme of Ettrick, Les (Lennie) Twesme of Arena, Wis., and Sonja Benrud of Ettrick; and numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.
Don was preceded in death by his wife, Edna; and his siblings: Gerald (Viola) Mahlum, Penny (Hollis) New and Howard Mahlum.
Don’s family would like to thank the staff of Grand View Care Center and St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate and loving care.
Funeral services will be held Friday, May 14, 2021, at 11:00 a.m., at Blair Lutheran Church, with Pastor Paul Sannerud officiating. Burial will follow at French Creek Lutheran Church Cemetery in rural Ettrick.
Friends may call at the church on Friday one hour prior to services.
Zwickey Funeral Homes, Galesville Chapel assisted the family.
