Mahlon Floyd Libbey, son of Floyd and Agnes (Pond) Libbey, was born in Roberts County, South Dakota on December 26, 1934. When he was a young child, his mother passed away, his father married Venoy Pond, and she raised him as her own. Mahlon passed away on March 7, 2025 at Good Samaritan Society in Estherville, Iowa at the age of 90 years.
Mahlon grew up in Wisconsin, spending summers in South Dakota with his family. He worked many summers on the railroad and delivered milk on horseback for his grandpa. He graduated high school in Peever, South Dakota in 1954. He joined the Navy and served for four years; he reenlisted in the Army for three years. Following his honorable discharge, Mahlon lived in Wisconsin and met Mary Parker, the couple was wed in November of 1964. They made their home in Wisconsin and had four children. The couple returned to South Dakota for a short time before they were divorced. Mahlon then travelled to North Dakota, where he worked in the oil fields, he later moved to Minneapolis, and eventually back to Tomah, Wisconsin. He resided there until he decided it was time to be closer to his daughters, and moved to Estherville, Iowa in 2022.
Mahlon had a cowboy spirit, he loved working on the farm growing up, riding horses, and watching westerns. He enjoyed travelling west for trail rides and camping under the stars. Hard work, honesty, strength, and good belly laughs were staples to Mahlon’s character. Mahlon was a talented artist; he enjoyed painting, drawing, and reading Louis Lamore books. Fast cars, fast horses, and a John Wayne movie always brought a smile to his face. In his younger years he also enjoyed deer hunting and snowmobiling.
Mahlon is survived by his children Renee (Mitchell) Lewis of Estherville, Sheila Schafer of Estherville, “Buzzy” Mahlon Libbey, Jr of Kendall, WI, and Angela Bartels of Jackson, Minnesota; his grandchildren Jordan Lewis, Matthew Blundon, Joshua Blundon, Brendon Bartels, Sterling Schafer, and Chanse Schafer; six great-grandchildren; and a few additional honorary great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Beverly Parker of Viroqua, WI, Gary Libbey of Harbert, MI, Gayle Libbey of Sparta, WI, Bonnie Holm of Alton, MO, Pearl (Elmer) Hedtke, of Buchanan, MI, and Lewis (Pattie) Libbey of Tomah, WI.
Mahlon is preceded in death by his parents, his brother William Libbey, and grandson Shane Schafer.
Services for Mahlon will be held in South Dakota at a date to be determined.
henryolsonfuneral.com