Ian Charles McMahan

Ian Charles McMahan passed away on Thursday, November 28, 2024, at his home in Moorhead, MN. Unique and quirky, Ian did not just march to his own drummer, he had a whole internal soundtrack he listened to. He will be missed by many friends and family.

Ian was born on June 30, 1988, in Yuma, Arizona, to Phillip and Donna (Spieker) McMahan. At the age of two he moved with his family to Hawley, MN where he grew up and attended school. As a teenager he developed a love of music and learned to play the bass and then, along with his brother and a couple of close friends, created a garage band that played a few shows in the Fargo-Moorhead area.

After high school he attended St. Cloud State University, then transferred to Moorhead State University. During his time at MSU he took part in a trip to Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. He loved the land and the culture and was looking forward to returning in the future. After school, he worked alongside his father at Mid-States Truss in Fargo for many years; he enjoyed the work and made many friends over his time working there.

Ian had a love of nature and enjoyed hiking and kayaking at the state parks, feeding the ducks, and watching the squirrels play. This year he raised tomatoes and peppers and wanted to put in a full garden next summer. Ian was also an enthusiastic pitmaster, experimenting with different flavor profiles as he seasoned the next pork butt to go in the smoker.

Ian struggled with social anxiety, bouts of depression, and was on the road to recovery. No matter what he was experiencing himself, he always had time to listen to others and help them on their own journey. Many nights were spent over cups of coffee simply talking and letting the other person know that somebody cared. 

He is survived by his mother, Donna McMahan and younger brothers, Sean McMahan and Alex McMahan; his grandmother, Evelyn Spieker; his uncles, Bob Spieker (Chris), Rick McMahan (Carol), and Mike McMahan; his aunts Judy Germaine (Steve), Kim Elrod (Steve), Brenda Bitker (Steve), Paula Greggersen (Alan), Susan McMahan, Becky Izzard, Sharon McMahan (Deb), and Patty Solum; his cousins, Jenn McMahan, Amanda VanBeek, Ashley Solum, Melissa Boedigheimer, Jess Spieker-Ferden, Bobby Spieker, Ashley Elrod, Matt Spieker, Adam Spieker, Justin Elrod, Ray Greggersen, McKinna Greggersen, and Mason Bitker.

He was preceded in death by his father Phillip McMahan and grandparents Dennis Spieker, and Richard and Delores McMahan, his uncle Tom Spieker, and his cousin Zachary Spieker.

Ian left this world far too soon. He was an uninhibited individual who always had an opinion on many topics and did not hesitate to share them. He enjoyed laughing and hanging out with friends and was fiercely protective of his family. He is forever loved and will be missed.

Honorary Pallbearers: Sean McMahan, Alexander McMahan, Jenn McMahan, Amanda VanBeek, Ashley Solum, Cameron Rian, Andrew Rheault, Sebastian Racahal.

Visitation will be Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M., followed by the memorial service at 11:00 A.M. at Wright Funeral Home, Hawley, MN.