“Regardless of what the world says, The Lord says: ‘You are special, You are accepted, You are significant.’ And the Legacy I hope to be remembered by: I sought to pass on the baton of faith. I did not passively tolerate sinful behavior. I was their number one cheerleader.” Handwritten in the front of Tim Mahek’s Bible is this reminder of his standing before the Lord, and his commitment to the Christian faith and his family.
Dr. Timothy J. Mahek passed into the Lord’s care Tuesday, March 8, 2022. He was 57.
Born Nov. 14, 1964 in Crestline, Tim was graduated from Crestline High School in 1983. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1987 from the University of Tampa, and then his Professional degree from The Ohio State School of Dentistry in 1991.
For four years, Captain Dr. Mahek served the U.S. Army, three years in Schweinfurt (Würzburg and Giebelstadt), Germany, and then finished his military service in Ft. Knox, Kentucky.
He returned to Columbus and worked a couple years in Plaza Dental, before the Lord opened the door to return home. God directed him to local Lexington dentist Milt Shaffer, who treated Tim like a son. Tim bought Milt’s practice in 2001, and he forged lasting relationships with generations of patients.
Known as the “Singing Dentist” with a lovely voice and a happy heart, Tim always had a song on his lips or was humming a recent worship tune.
Tim was purposeful as a husband, as a father, as a dentist, and he pursued excellence in all he did. Whatsoever he did, he did unto the Lord (Col 3:8). Tim was thorough and hardworking, compassionate and honest.
He will be remembered for his sacrificial love for his family, his kindness, and his Christian faithfulness. Tim created a culture of worship in his home and dental practice: Tim was the same man on Monday as he was on Sunday. His New Inductive Study Bible reflects meditative study and thoughtful devotion.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years Billie Jo “B.J.” (Billo) Mahek; their children Danielle (Philip) VanWingerden and Nick Mahek; a precious grandson Sawyer James VanWingerden; his parents James and Sandra Mahek of Crestline; a sister Pam Schamel of Milford; a brother Ryan (Sue) Mahek of Crestline; his dental office staff – so faithful, committed and hardworking, like family to him – his best friend since college Carl Karr; and a large circle of extended family, friends and patients.
He was preceded in death by a brother Joseph Mahek in 2018.
The Mahek family will receive friends Monday, March 14, 2022 from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home. A worship service – giving Glory to God for the life of Tim Mahek will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. in Crossroads Community Church Ontario, 636 S. Lexington-Springmill Road, with Pastor Dave Vance officiating. Burial will follow in Lexington Cemetery, where American Legion Post #535 will offer graveside military honors.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Tim’s memory to the Art Department of Mansfield Christian School or American Legion Post #535 may be made at the funeral.
Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the Mahek family. Share a note of support with them – and see Tim’s tribute video – online at: SnyderFuneralHomes.com
