Terry J. Mahrle

Terry J. Mahrle, 61, of Battle Creek, former owner of Mahrle’s Harley-Davidson Dealership in Battle Creek and current owner of Cereal City Classic Cars, died of natural causes at home on Sunday, July 30, 2023.

Terry was born on September 18, 1961 in Marshall to Gary G. and Virginia A. “Ginny” (Warman) Mahrle.  He spent most of his life living in the Marshall area.  Terry graduated from Marshall High School in 1980 where he was a standout Redskin athlete in wrestling.  Terry was the undefeated Class B 126 Pound Weight Class Twin Valley District and Regional and State Championship titles in the 1978-79 season.  After graduating from Marshall High School, he attended Muskegon Community College and Western Michigan University where he competed on their wrestling teams.  He attended Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo to complete his education.

He then worked in the auto industry in Detroit until returning to Marshall to operate Eagle Street Motors on W. Michigan Avenue with friend Jim Franke.  They offered unique foreign, classic and restored automobiles of many eras.

Terry applied to Harley-Davidson for a franchise and was granted his in 1992.  He opened Mahrle’s Harley-Davidson on W. Columbia in Battle Creek in 1993.  As his business grew, he moved his store to the former Lassen Cadillac dealership building on W. Michigan Avenue west of Washington Street in Battle Creek.   Terry relocated the dealership to the former Frank’s Nursery on Beckley Road where he operated it until selling the dealership in 2006.  It now operates as Battle Creek Harley-Davidson in that location.    Terry then formed Cereal City Classic Cars which he still operates.  Terry moved to Fort Myers, Florida and worked for Fort Myers Toyota, then for Trikes and Bikes.  He moved back to Battle Creek due to ill health 2 months ago.

Terry’s love of cars and motorcycles was well evidenced by his constantly changing personal collection of different models during his life.

Terry was a true outdoorsman.  His love for big game hunting took him across the country. His love of the outdoors came from time spent with his father Gary and family at Wilder Creek Conservation Club in Marshall where Gary was very active, helping to build the original building.  Hunting with his father, brothers and friends was an early activity in his life.

He loved music, attending many concerts over the years.  He was a dedicated fan of The Eagles and had met all the band members and attended their concerts as a backstage guest!

His biggest constant in his life was his love for his daughters and granddaughter.  They were the “apples of his eye” and he created many memories for them as they grew to women.  He always encouraged their ambitions and dreams while being their biggest fan!

Terry was married to Anne Brainard-Mahrle in 1991, they later separated but continued to raise their daughters together throughout their lives.

Surviving are his daughters, Sarah Anne Marie Mahrle of Lancaster, KY, Sadie Rose (Rob) Mahrle Mathiak of Richland, and Sophia Belle (Evan) Mahrle-Anestis of Lexington, KY; 2 granddaughters Eloise Anne and Sylvia Rose Mathiak (and a Anestis grandson on the way!); his mother Virginia “Ginny” A. Mahrle Cook and step-father David L. Cook of Battle Creek; brothers Tim (Sherrie) Mahrle of Marshall and Greg Mahrle of Traverse City and sister Julie A. (Jason Roberts) Bowers of Marshall; nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his father Gary G. Mahrle on July 13, 1992.

Friends may call at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US HWY 27 N., Marshall, MI 49068 on Friday August 4 from 5PM-8PM.  A Celebration of Terry’s Life will be held on Saturday, August 5 at 11AM at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services with Mr. Jacob Washburn and Mr. Jack W. Townsend as the Celebrants.

Interment will follow at Lyon Lake Cemetery.   A luncheon to continue to remember and celebrate Terry will be held at the funeral home’s reception hall following interment.

The family suggests contributions in Terry’s memory be made to The Wilder Creek Conservation Club (wildercreekconservationclub.org) or to Pheasants Forever (pheasantsforever.org). Donations are accepted on the Club’s website or can be left at the funeral home.

Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.