1934 – 2025

Dr. Alan Mahler, a beloved husband, father, physician, and friend, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, humility, and quiet strength that touched the lives of all who knew him. Born in 1934 in Albert Lea, MN to Herbert and Orla Mahler, Alan’s early life was marked by curiosity and a deep commitment to family. He later moved to Waterville MN, where his father’s work as the superintendent of schools took the family, including Alan’s two younger brothers, John and Steven.

After graduating from Mankato State, he married Helen Bemis and began his journey in the medical field at the University of Minnesota’s College of Pharmacy. Never one to settle, Alan advanced to medical school at the University of Minnesota and completed his internship at Saint Paul Ramsey. His dedication to healing was matched only by his humility, which earned the respect and admiration of peers and patients alike. Alan’s call to service extended beyond the clinic—he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1966. As a captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, he served with honor for two years including a deployment to Vietnam, always bringing his steady hands and generous spirit to the wounded and weary. During his service, Alan met the woman who would become his second wife and true partner in life, Donna Marie Boulay, whom he lovingly referred to as his “better half”. Together, they built a life rich in love, warmth, and adventure. Alan’s life was filled with simple joys with many fishing and hunting trips with his sons. Alan was an avid golfer and reader, and enjoyed quiet moments of reflection, and fond memories created alongside his wife and family. He developed a deep and enduring friendship with Suzanne and her husband David, whose kindness and company brought him joy through the years. He often spoke with a smile about the warmth they shared and, of course, his great love for Suzanne’s homemade cookies, which he insisted were the best he’d ever had. Their bond became a source of comfort, laughter, and loyalty that stood the test of time. A humble man, Alan never sought recognition, yet his medical accomplishments, gentle demeanor, and unwavering integrity left an indelible mark on those he served and loved. To know Alan Mahler was to experience a rare gentleness—a man who carried wisdom with grace, served others without expectation, and lived each day with quiet dignity. His life was a testament to the power of humility and heart. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the family he cherished, the friendships he nurtured, and the enduring example of what it means to live a truly good life. Alan is survived by his beloved wife, Donna-Marie; his son Paul and daughter-in-law Marykay, along with their two children, Katie and William; and his son Tom and daughter-in-law Michelle, with their two children, Ally and Emma. Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 1 at 1:00 PM at the Roseville Memorial Chapel, 2245 N. Hamline Ave., Roseville. Interment Roselawn Cemetery.