From 1962 to 1964, he served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Sierra Leone, Africa, where he helped build several buildings, including a school that is still in use today. In 2009, Philip traveled to Sierra Leone and received an amazing welcome from the students, staff and administrators at a school he helped establish in Kabala in 1963.
Obituary for Sierra Leone RPCV Philip Paul Mahle
Philip Paul Mahle - Thompson Falls, Mont.
3/6/2010 12:49:26 PM
PLAINVIEW - Philip Mahle, 71, of Thompson Falls, Mont., passed away Monday, March 1, 2010, in Missoula, Mont., from complications of cancer.
Philip was born Jan. 10, 1939, in Minneapolis, to Dr. Donald and Winnifred Mahle. He graduated from Plainview High School in 1957 and went on to receive his bachelor's degree from University of Minnesota in 1962 and his master's degree from Northern Illinois University in 1967. From 1962 to 1964, he served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Sierra Leone, Africa, where he helped build several buildings, including a school that is still in use today. In 2009, Philip traveled to Sierra Leone and received an amazing welcome from the students, staff and administrators at a school he helped establish in Kabala in 1963.
A man of many talents, he embarked on several successful career paths, including carpentry and real estate appraising. He married Anne Moore in 1966, and they remained lifelong friends after their separation. Philip married Rebecca McGeary in 1975. They settled in Plainview, where they raised two daughters and built and restored several homes before moving to Rochester in 1996. Philip was active in both communities, playing in the Plainview community band, singing in the Oudal Chorale and volunteering at his children's events.
An avid outdoorsman all his life, Philip enjoyed fly fishing, hunting, waterskiing, cross country skiing and hiking. In 2006, he and Rebecca retired to Thompson Falls, Mont., where they built a home on the Clark Fork River and Philip pursued his outdoor interests with considerable zeal. He spent many hours volunteering at the Thompson River Animal Care Shelter, putting his carpentry skills to good use creating temporary homes for animals in need. He and Rebecca adopted a dog named Coco and took in a cat, Oscar, who loved to sit on Philip's lap while they looked up at the mountains that surround their home.
Survivors include his wife Rebecca, Thompson Falls; daughter Megan (Jason Cincilla) and grandson Roman, Boston; daughter Maureen, New York City; one sister, Susan (Jerry) Steinke, Oronoco; and one brother, Benjamin (Judy) Mahle, Rochester.
A memorial service will be held 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 20, at Schad & Zabel Funeral Home in Plainview. Philip's ashes will be scattered at his Montana home.
The family prefers memorials in memory of Philip Mahle to the Thompson River Animal Care Shelter or the Peace Corps Sierra Leone Country Fund.
www.schadandzabelfuneralhomes.com
