Milo F. Mach, 91, of Austin, Minnesota, died in the early morning hours of Friday, Dec. 21, 2018, in the loving arms of his Kathy and sister-in-law, Kris, at his side in their home he loved.

Milo Frances Mach was born on May 13, 1927, on a farm in rural Lonsdale, Minnesota, to Eugene and Beatrice (Schultz) Mach. His early years were spent in the area with his two older sisters and a younger brother. The family moved to Rochester, Minnesota, when his dad had an opportunity to run a grocery store.  That was where Milo learned his strong work ethics. He graduated from Lourdes High School in 1946. When he returned home after serving his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he started working at the Mayo Clinic. It was here he met the love of his life, Margaret (Peg) Brennen. They spent 42 wonderful years together before Peg’s death in 1990.

Milo was an adventurer. Besides his work at Mayo, he spent 32 years with Hormel. While there, he opened Milo Mach Garden Center. He loved gardening, landscaping, the “sod,” his trees, and especially his customers and coworkers, who became long lasting friends. He was a firm but fair boss whose motto was “turn and pivot.”

He was a devoted Catholic who spent endless hours volunteering at both St. Edwards and St. Augustine Churches. He also served on the board of the Hormel Home and was a proud member of the American Legion, Elks and the Moose Lodge.

In late 90s, he met his second wife, Kathy. They wed at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Rochester on June 29, 2006. They spent the last 12 ½ years happy in their travels to sporting events, family gatherings, dancing and their home improvement projects.

Milo had been on hemodialysis for the last 15 years. He traveled to the dialysis unit three times a week in Albert Lea, Minnesota. There he met long lasting friends, his wonderful dialysis team, doctor and nurses, technicians, social workers, nutritionists, his bus driver, Barb, Cindy Blanca, Frank, and especially Juan at Smart Transit, who were always present and positive for him even though he struggled at times.

A man of strong faith who served his Lord, was an altar boy, and at Navy masses, he will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy; his children, Jane and Ron Flannery, Terry and Katherine (Kate) Mach and Cheryl and Stewart Olson; stepchildren, Tyler and Jessica Hill, Ryan and Misti Hill and Tony and Amanda Hill; six grandchildren; nine step-grandchildren, with another due January 2019; 12 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Joann Mach; Bill and Jean Walker, Jerry and Anita Brennen, Ardts Brennen, Lois Brennen, Peter and Kristen Banas, Paul and Peggy Sanders, Mark and Tracy Sanders and Jeffery and Kristen Sanders; special nephew, Mike and Jenny Lipscomb; and many other “special” nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Milo unconditionally.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved first wife, Peg; sisters, Elaine Lipscomb, and Dorothy (Sister Vitrex); younger brother, Jim Mach; brother-in-law, Frances (Bud) John Brennen; nieces, Mary Week and Kathy Brennen; Craig and John Koelsch; and sister-in-law, Florence Brennen Koelsch.

An extra special thank you to Father Steffes, Sisters Pat and Francine, the Mayo clinical staff, the Smart Bus team and the wonderful hospice staff.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father James Steffes officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church.