Mahlon Edgar Edmonson, 76, of East Grand Forks, MN, passed away peacefully on March 31st, 2025, at Good Samaritan Heritage Grove, surrounded by the love and care of those who had been by his side in his final days.
Born on December 11th, 1948, in Houston, TX, Mahlon grew up with a deep sense of loyalty, integrity, and kindness that defined him throughout his life. He graduated from Hinkley High School in Aurora, CO, where he was a standout long-distance track athlete, and later proudly served in the United States Coast Guard from 1971-1977.
Mahlon spent over three decades working as an air traffic controller, with his career taking him to Jamestown, ND before moving to Grand Forks, ND in 1988, where he continued his work with the FAA until his retirement in 2005. Never one to sit still for long, he later worked at Walmart in Detroit Lakes for over 10 years, retiring for a second time when the pandemic began.
In 2007, Mahlon married the love of his life, Joan, and together they built a life full of warmth, love and shared passions including traveling and hunting for antique treasures. After retirement, they moved to Osage, MN, close to the lake and the family resort business Joan’s family owned. Her passing in 2023 was a loss from which Mahlon never fully recovered, but his faith became a source of strength. He was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in December 2023, finding peace and support in his faith community.
Mahlon had a lifelong love for animals, aviation, archery, and woodworking. He was especially fond of his beloved dogs Kooper, Bentley, and most recently Baxter, who brought him comfort and joy in his later years. Known for his gentle spirit and genuine kindness, Mahlon never had a harsh word for anyone. He lived with quiet generosity, unwavering loyalty, and a warm heart that touched everyone who knew him.
He is survived by his daughter Lori Rodgers; stepchildren Lisa (Michael) Nelson and Doug Wangen; granddaughters Paige Rodgers and Brooke Carlson; grandson Nate Waskul and great grand children Ella and Elaina Hinkemeyer; stepbrother Doug (Vicki) Barr; stepsisters Karen (John) Torgerson and Debra (Alan) Bowers; brother-in-law Dave Hendricks; several nieces and nephews; and his cherished dog Baxter.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Joan, parents Howard and Lillian, stepmother Evelyn, twin brother Billy, sister Lorelle Hendricks, and stepbrother Steve Barr and step son-in-law Cory Bryant.
A small family gathering will be held at the burial of his and Joan’s ashes at Riverside Cemetery in Osage, MN. In lieu of flowers, his daughter Lori is asking for donations be made to the Grand Forks Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mahlon’s memory and to show gratitude for the peace they provided him in his final years and days.
Mahlon will be remembered as a kind and honorable man whose legacy lives on in the lives of those who loved him.