Theodore “Ted” Mahler, 90, of Pleasant Plains, Ill., passed away on Sept. 18, 2026, at Rose Garden of Pana, Ill.
He was born in Cherokee on July 22, 1936, to Walter and Esther (Dreyer) Mahler. He married Barbara J. Smith in 1956 at Mount Olive Baptist Church in rural Cherokee.
Ted is survived by his children: Debby Sparling, Tim Mahler and Steve Mahler, all of Springfield, Ill.; Dave (Julie) Mahler of Ozark, Ala.; and Brad Mahler of Pleasant Plains, Ill.; grandchildren: Heather Sparling, Shannon Sparling and Mike Sparling; Crystal (Josh) Schneider; David (Kim) Mahler; Adam (Sarah) Mahler; Zack (Carrie) Mahler; and Clifton Mahler; 11 great-grandchildren; one sister, Sandra Stowater of Cherokee.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Barbara; and granddaughter Amber Sparling.
Ted retired from the United States Postal Service in 2011 after over 42 years of service as a letter carrier to Springfield’s southwest side. He was a dedicated member of Zion Lutheran Church in Pleasant Plains.
Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at Zion Lutheran Church in Pleasant Plains. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, Zion Lutheran Church in Pleasant Plains with Rev. Jeff Gross and Rev. Don Pritchard officiating. Burial will follow at Cartwright Cemetery in Pleasant Plains.
Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church in Pleasant Plains, Ill.
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