Andy Mahler

Andrew “Andy” Michael Mahler, beloved husband, brother, artist, and forest protector, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025 at his home in Paoli, Indiana. He was 74 years old.

Andy was born June 21, 1951, in Madison, Wisconsin, to Annamarie and Henry Mahler, both professors at Indiana University. He grew up in Bloomington alongside his siblings Barbara and Anthony, attended Bloomington High School, and later earned a degree in Fine Art at Indiana University.

Though his formal training was in art, Andy’s true canvas was the living world around him. He was a visionary artist, musician, poet, and builder who saw the beauty and potential in everything and everyone. From scraps of material to broken tools, from strangers to lifelong friends, Andy found purpose, creativity, and possibility, leaving behind a legacy of art, music, and community that continues to inspire.

Andy was highly regarded as a forest protector and tireless advocate for the land he loved. He started the Indiana Forest Alliance, and was a founding member of Protect Our Woods and later helped to organize and lead Heartwood, a regional grassroots forest protection network. Through heartfelt speeches and courageous leadership, Andy rallied public concern over destructive practices such as clear-cutting and burning in the Hoosier National Forest. His efforts earned him many awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hoosier Environmental Council, and he was honored as a Kentucky Colonel.

All of these accomplishments are significant, but Andy’s greatest legacy was his heart. He was known for a rare gift: making everyone he met feel seen, valued, and adored. He drew friends from all walks of life, weaving together relationships that spanned generations, communities, and creation itself. His poems and songs celebrated unity, love, and the sacredness of the natural world. His words and music will continue to echo in the lives of those who were blessed to hear them.

Together with his wife Linda Lee, Andy created a sanctuary of love, healing, and community at the Lazy Black Bear property in Paoli. It was more than a home — it was a place where countless people, young and old, found solace in the woods, in the animals, and in the circle of community life. Many who came there to heal or simply to belong were forever shaped by the experience, carrying Andy’s influence into their own lives and communities.

Andy’s life was rooted in kindness, creativity, and service. He leaves behind his beloved wife Linda, his siblings Barbara and Anthony, his loyal companion Wagner, and a wide and loving circle of family, friends, and community members who will carry forward his spirit of love, justice, and stewardship of the Earth.

Many will treasure the memories Andy has left behind, the kind deeds he has done, and the encouraging words he has spoken — all of which helped shape our lives. Though his physical presence will be deeply missed, his heart and vision live on in the woods he fought to protect, the community he nurtured, and the countless lives he touched.

A celebration of Andy’s life is being planned at Lost River Cafe on October 26. More details are forthcoming. Arrangements by McAdams Mortuary. For condolences, visit mcadamsmortuary.com.

To continue Andy's lifelong work, In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

• Adopt an Acre through Saving Hoosier National Forest: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-save-our-hoosier-national-forest
• Saving Hoosier National Forest (Protect Our Woods): https://savehoosiernationalforest.org/
• Heartwood (https://heartwood.org/support/donate/)
• Indiana Forest Alliance (https://indianaforestalliance.org/)