Kenneth Paul Mahalko
1942-2025
Kenneth Paul Mahalko, 82, of Gilman, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025 at Mayo Health Systems Hospital— Eau Claire, with his family by his side. Family was foremost for Ken. He married Mary Lou Peil on June 19, 1970, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Bloomer. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, their sons Kevin of Gilman, Dale of Cornell, and Ben of Brookfield, one granddaughter, Kate, his siblings Betty (Robert) Callahan, of Gilman, Arlene Victory of Cornell, Earl (Diane) Stanek and Mark Stanek, both of Gilman, and Lou Ann (Dale) Dubiak of Stanley, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers George Mahalko and Lee Stanek, sisters Darlene and Frances Mahalko, and his foster parents Sylvester and Lucille Stanek.
He was born on Sept. 6, 1942, at Victory Memorial Hospital, Stanley, to the late George and Evelyn (Hodowanic) Mahalko. Ken grew up in the Huron and Gilman area, graduating in the Class of 1960 from Gilman High School. He then studied at Taylor County Teacher’s college, receiving his teaching degree. He taught in Sheldon for two years before enlisting in the U.S. Army.
He served in the U.S. Army from 1964-1967, an outstanding graduate of the South Eastern Signal Corps School, Fort Gordon, Georgia. Ken was the first person to graduate from there with a 100 percent score on his tests. From 1965-1967 his duty was with White House Communications. He served at the White House as part of a military team that provided communications for the President both in D.C. and on trips taken by the President.
After his tour of duty in the Army, Ken attended college at UW-Eau Claire, graduating Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science, elementary education, in June, 1969.
Ken enjoyed a long, successful teaching career. From 1969-1970 he taught in the Ladysmith system. In 1972 he joined the teaching staff at Lake Holcombe school where he taught fifth and sixth grade science from 1972-1996 and two years of fourth grade followed by one year of third grade from 1996-1999.
Ken had an amazing number of interests, with his main focus on family—he was so proud of his three sons, Kevin, Dale, and Ben.
He was a member of the SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, American Legion, Boy Scouts, and he enjoyed science, especially astronomy and geology, local history, farming, the Packers, snowmobiling, four wheeling, hunting, and coin collecting. He was like a “walking encyclopedia” of knowledge . . . with a teacher personality. Earning the Silver Beaver Award in Scouting was a highlight in his life.
Anyone who knew Ken knew he had a heart for farming. He was an advocate of the dairy farmer, hoping for better milk prices, writing many letters to the editor, and putting up a large milk price sign near the road. He transitioned into grazing and organic farming with his son, Kevin. Mahalko Dairy earned several Quality Milk awards from AMPI and Organic Valley. He was a member of Grassworks and also the River Country Grazing Network.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at SS Peter and Paul Church, Gilman, with Reverend Madanu Lourdu and Reverend Joseph Stefancin officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral including a Knights of Columbus Honor Guard and a military Honor Guard with Legion members. Burial with military honors will take place in the spring.
Paid Obituary 164955
