JEFFREY LEE MAHLSTEDE

Jeff was born to Jack and Billie and older brother Ken Mahlstede in Downey, California, September 16, 1963. Jeff graduated from Santa Fe High School in 1982. There, he excelled in wrestling and football under his father’s coaching and guidance, and earned Athlete of the Year, ABC’s Player of the Week, and 1st team all CIF QB. From there, Jeff played football at Fullerton College under his other mentor, Coach Sherbeck, where he earned the distinction of First Team All-American, leading him to a full scholarship at Arizona State University. Wearing 48 for ASU, one of his proudest moments as a Sun Devil was playing in the 1987 Freedom Bowl.

After graduation, Jeff worked as the Parks and Recreation Supervisor for the City of Santa Fe Springs and concurrently coached football with Jack for almost 25 years. All who had the good fortune to attend one of Jeff’s city summer concerts, remember them with great joy. He was a master planner and called by many the Idea Guy. All who knew Jeff, knew coaching alongside his Dad was an unsurpassed and cherished experience. Jeff’s last career was running his own promotional products company, happily managing that until his passing.

Jeff was a happy man with simple needs, who woke up every day excited for breakfast and insisted on being productive. In addition to supporting all 3 of his alma maters, Jeff participated in countless committees and organized many functions dedicated to lifting up our youth. Mentoring, guiding, donating, and nurturing his relationships was an unwavering commitment he held dear. He was the consummate volunteer. Closer to home, Jeff worked tirelessly on replicating the solace and comfort he found in Hawaii. He was forever tending to and boyishly proud of his plumerias and tropical plants.

Losing Jack in 2019 left a huge hole in Jeff’s beautiful giant heart and it is certain that Jack was waiting for Jeff on the other side with a fishing pole. Indeed, Jeff was devoted to the Jack Mahlstede Annual Bishop Fishing Trip and to the spirit and camaraderie it embodies as exemplified by his Dad. Getting to carry on the tradition with Adrian and Christian carried considerable significance for Jeff.

Jeff and Sylvia met in 1987 and married in 1990. Their 1st son, Adrian was born in 1991 and Christian arrived in 1994. Raising and coaching his boys was one of the greatest joys of his life. Never before seen or heard “baby-talking” to his wife or children, Jeff has been caught doing so in his last year to his 1 year old labrador, Blue. They were great pals and Blue is definitely mourning our loss.

Jeff loved everyone unconditionally. His world revolved around family, friends, food, football, FUN, and fishing. In his all too brief life, making people feel special was Jeff’s purpose and his greatest gift.

Jeff passed away peacefully yet unexpectedly at the age of 61 in his sleep due to heart failure beside his devoted wife.

Jeff is immeasurably missed by those who survive him. His wife, Sylvia Mahlstede, sons Adrian Mahlstede and Christian Mahlstede, mother Billie Mahlstede, brother Ken Mahlstede (Cindy), sister-in-law Leni Schlieper (Scott), nieces and nephews, Kyle Mahlstede (Teresa), Kaylee Sirignano (Pellegrino and baby Carter), Trevor Schlieper, Kristen Schlieper (Gabe Pocrass), Ian Schlieper, Noah Perez and Bricen Perez, cousins Mike and Debbie Player, Chuck Moss, Christy & Randy Steinbring, uncles Steve Mahlstede & Michael Mahlstede and of course, Blue & Cookie will all love Jeff until the end of time and beyond.

In lieu of flowers, Jeff and Sylvia ask that you hug and love each other.

In honor of Jeff’s happy place, Hawaii, his family asks you to attend services in tropical or casual attire OR however you are most comfortable.