David Lee Mahrer

David Lee Mahrer sailed away from his earthly home on March 23, 2022. Dave was born to Lorenz and Verna Mahrer on December 29, 1943 in Edgely, ND. His childhood was spent in Park River, ND. The values learned from his parents and close-knit community were the bedrock upon which his life was lived. As a young man, David left his Midwestern home, "went south, and took a left," landing in South Carolina. Here, David met his beloved wife, Marybeth Kelly Mahrer. They celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in May 2021.

A man of many achievements and accolades, David was most proud of his children, Kate Mahrer Rogers and Matthew David Mahrer, who survive him, along with his son-in-law, James Rogers; daughter-in-law, Annie Suarez Mahrer; and grandsons, Henry "Barnes" Rogers and Theodore "Teddy" David Mahrer.

In addition, David is survived by his sister, Nancy Espelien; brothers, Alan Mahrer (Nancy) and Michael Mahrer (Ginny); and many nieces, nephews, and in-laws who considered him a brother. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, LuAnn Mahrer Dudgeon.

David began his work life at age nine in his parents' grocery store. He was always a busy person and he never stopped working until Alzheimer's changed his course. He is a graduate of the University of North Dakota and earned his Ph.D. at the University of Arizona. David's professional work included counseling, teaching at the University of South Carolina, and 20 years with the SC Department of Mental Health, from which he retired in 2002.

David gave his all to his professional life, just as he gave his all to his beloved leisure and civic activities. The boy from landlocked ND became an avid and award-winning sailor. He served as commodore of the Columbia Sailing Club in 1981 and received a Lifetime Service Award in 2018. He served several years on the Lexington County Mental Health Center board and sang with the Palmetto Mastersingers for 15 years. Until the pandemic and his illness prevented his attendance, he was a faithful member of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Columbia.

David's family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff of Oakhaven and All Seasons Hospice for their tender care of David during his last months.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association of South Carolina, online at https://www.alz.org/sc/donate or by mailing a check to Alzheimer's Association, Attn: SC Gift Processing, 4600 Park Rd., Ste. 250, Charlotte, NC 28209.

David's family invites his friends and loved ones to gather for a visitation with the family at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 28, at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, 503 N. Lake Dr., Lexington, SC 29072, followed by a service in their chapel at 11:00 a.m. We also hope you can join for a reception following the service at Columbia Sailing Club, 292 Shuler Rd., Columbia, SC 29212. We invite those who would feel comfortable doing so to wear masks.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.caughmanlexington.com for the Mahrer family.