Christopher M. Mahler

Christopher (Chris) Mahler, aged 63, died peacefully on October 21, 2024, while surrounded by his loving and supporting family at the James Cancer Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.
Born on November 28, 1960, he is survived by his loving, dedicated wife and best friend of 38 years Beth (Greely), his children Bridget (Mike), Coleman (Kate), and Carl (Mariam), and his grandchildren Ray and Maeve. He is also survived by his siblings Marilyn, Jane (Frank), Bob (Debbie), Paul (Sue), Joe (Diana), Alice, and Bill, Greely sisters-in-law Sandy and Linda (Doug), and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Clara Mahler, by his parents-in-law Robert and Frances Greely, and by his brothers-in-law Bill Greely and Dan Smith.
Chris graduated from St. Charles Preparatory School and the University of Dayton, and after earning his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) accreditation, he worked tirelessly in healthcare reimbursement and consulting for 40 years. Though he held many positions at different organizations, including starting his own firm, Chris ended his career at his most rewarding job as Director of Reimbursement at Blue & Co. LLC. He loved training and working alongside such talented colleagues and staff.
While he was committed to his work, he was even more committed to his family, his friends, and his faith. Chris was a kind and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and neighbor known for his dry wit and welcoming spirit. He was always involved with his children's lives and attended every concert, play, and softball game that they participated in, and took time to visit and care for his parents especially as they grew older. A lifetime member of Immaculate Conception Parish, Chris served as an usher, eucharistic minister, marriage program mentor, Athletic Association treasurer and gym program coordinator, in addition to helping with parish fundraisers, sub sales, and festivals.
Chris loved sitting on his front porch in the morning with Beth while drinking strong coffee from a thin-rimmed mug, and he loved sitting at the kitchen table in the evening with her while discussing their day and enjoying a salty snack and a beer. He delighted in the satisfaction of winning a game of spider solitaire, taking in sunsets at Indian Lake, and sitting poolside to read on family vacations. He was an avid reader who could talk to anyone about any subject, but was especially interested in history, music, and sports. He was also an avid walker, enjoying walks around the neighborhood, walks to and from church, walks on the beach, and hikes in mountains and national parks where he could feel the accomplishment of completing a difficult trail and appreciate the beauty of nature. He was quick to recite his favorite movie quote, song lyric, or baseball statistic, and he could solve any spreadsheet, fix any cost report, and balance every checkbook. He shared many memories with family and friends over delicious meals, always with good conversation and lots of laughter.
Chris saw the inherent dignity in all people, and his natural curiosity and appreciation for others made him a great listener and trusted adviser and teacher. No matter how busy his life became, Chris always gave the gift of his time to anyone who needed it. He always put the needs of others ahead of his own, and always found a way to help anyone who asked him for it. He believed in and practiced St. Mother Teresa's saying: "Do small things with great love."
Visitation will be at Egan-Ryan Funeral Home Northwest Chapel at 4661 Kenny Road on Tuesday, October 29th from 4 to 7 PM. Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Mike Lumpe and concelebrated by Fr. Jacob Stinnett at Immaculate Conception Church at 414 E N Broadway, on Wednesday, October 30th at 10:30 AM with burial at Resurrection Cemetery. Our family thanks the nurses, doctors, PCAs, and staff in the BMT unit of the James Cancer Hospital who gave our father exemplary care and love. We would especially like to thank Jenny and Lauressa for their kind and compassionate care for Chris, and for serving him with dignity and empathy that helped him find light in the darkness. In lieu of flowers, please contribute in Chris's memory to the James Cancer Hospital Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Fund #305404 (Contributions can also be made via check payable to "The James" and mailed to: The OSU Foundation, PO Box 736096, Chicago IL, 60673-6096) or to the Immaculate Conception St. Vincent de Paul Society.
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