- Winnipeg Free Press Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
JACK MOHR
August 10, 1928 - March 20, 2023
Dad passed away peacefully the morning of March 20, 2023.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Agnes, son Perry (Tracy), daughters, Kathryn (Glenn) Bartmanovich, Tanis (Greg) Hiebert, grandchildren, Miles, Leah, Derek, Caitlan, Carman, Kristin, Megan, Bryan, Kyle, Shay-Lynn and great-grandchildren, Lewis, Lucinda, Isla, Townes, Nathan, Lincoln, Jimi, Robin, and in-laws, Irene and Arnold Mauthe.
He was predeceased by his daughter, Diana in 2022, and by his parents, Henry and Anna Mohr, sisters (and their spouses), Emma and George Mitchel, Elsie and Ben Zelmer, Charlotte and John Trupp, Olga and Emil Arndt, brothers (and their spouses), Balzar and Eileen, Daniel and Alfreda, Bill and Elsie, Alec and Clara, Edward and Marie, and Victor, in-laws Jack and Katherine Single, Arnold and Edna Single, Robert and Alma Single.
Dad was the fifth son of 11 children, raised on a mixed farm in Shevlin, a community near Roblin, MB. He spoke fondly of his childhood and the many experiences and freedoms of farm life. In 1946 at age 18, he left home to further his education at Concordia College in Edmonton. He originally planned on becoming a pastor, but his love of children led him to teaching. After four years at Concordia, he moved to Winnipeg and attended Manitoba Teachers' College, graduating in 1952.
His first teaching position (1952 to 1956) was at Maitland, a small single room school, with 20 students near the thriving metropolis of Waldersee. It is there, where he met Agnes Single, also a teacher, at the neighbouring Cory School. After initially resisting his charms, Agnes agreed to a date with Jack, and she was impressed with his kindness, honesty, and that he didn't swear. They married on July 17, 1954.
Looking for greener pastures, they moved to Morris in 1955, where Dad's career spanned 32 years in various capacities from school administration to teaching. His real love was in the classroom, teaching English and German. Teaching was more than a profession for Dad, it was a lifestyle and he devoted himself to the school and students, whether coaching basketball, assisting with drama club, or as a guidance counsellor.
He also gave freely to the community, as a Scout Leader, a council member of the Lutheran Church, President of Morris Minor Hockey, and member of the Morris Community Development Committee to name a few. In 1983, he was honoured by the Morris Chamber of Commerce as Citizen of the Year for his contributions towards the betterment of the community.
Throughout the years he would spend many of his summers upgrading his credentials at the University of Manitoba and Goethe Institute in Germany. He was very proud of his German heritage and became the family's historian.
Dad retired from teaching in 1986 but never lost the passion to teach. He tutored many people over the years and right up to the end of his life. He helped new immigrants improve their English skills, and often they became close friends. His motto was "a stranger is just a friend that I haven't met yet".
Dad and Mom raised their four children in Morris and moved to Winnipeg in 1992 to be closer to their now adult children and grandchildren. They were instrumental in helping raise the grandchildren and we credit them for the fine young adults they have all become. They were Dad's greatest treasures, and he was their #1 champion. Attending the many sporting and school events kept him busy but most importantly, fostered the unique bond he had with each of them. Dad loved nature, gardening, meeting people, fixing, maintaining, and tending to his relatives' gravesites at Brookside Cemetery. He also loved to help his children any way he could.
Slowing down (in his 80s) was difficult for Dad, as he found it hard to accept that he couldn't do all the things he once could. He experienced health challenges, and in April 2021, asked to be taken to the hospital. Little did we know that he wouldn't be going home. After several months in the hospital, he moved to the Saul & Claribel Simkin Centre, where he spent the remainder of his life.
In true "Jack" fashion, within days, he ended up knowing everyone on his wing of the Centre and was very popular with all the staff. They loved his sense of humour and the lively interaction with him. The family would like to thank the staff who looked after our father with dignity these past 20 months. A special thank you to great-niece Alissa Minaker, who made his life at Simkin so special.
When asked recently if he had any regrets, Dad said "I had a good life - no, a great life and wouldn't change a thing".
Funeral services will be held Friday, March 31, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 3030 Notre Dame Avenue.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to a charity of your choice.
NEIL BARDAL
FUNERAL CENTRE
204-949-2200
neilbardalinc.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 25, 2023
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
-
So sorry to hear of passing of Hehr Mohr. And sorry that I had not known. I had the inner feeling for a while now that I need to try and connect. We sure need to listen when God speaks. Would of loved to visit again and thank him for the influence he had on my life. I still sing some of those German songs! He managed to help take a stuttering student and turn him into a successful business owner and salesman. My sincere love and prayers to a great family. In my not so good German and even worse spelling, “Er war die bestest mensch! Doug Edel - Posted by: Douglas Edel (Former student) on: Apr 19, 2023
-
Agnes, Perry, Kathryn and families - I am so sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. My deepest condolences and my thoughts and prayers are with you. His smile and humour will be missed. Your neighbour and friend Diane Fontaine - Posted by: Diane Fontaine (Neighbour) on: Apr 08, 2023
-
Herr Mohr, as he was known in our house, was one of the best. And it was his heart of love, the depth of his creativity and commitment and genuine interest in each of his students that we will never forget. A wonderful part of my life and an inspiring role model. Wishing each in the family comfort and peace as you reflect on a life well-lived. - Posted by: Ruth Dueck-Mbeba (Former student) on: Apr 08, 2023
-
Agnes, Kathryn and family, I was so sorry to read of Jack's recent passing in the church newsletter. Stacy and I offer you our deepest condolences and our thoughts and prayers are with you. Besides being very good friends with Kathryn, Jack and Agnes were neighbors for many years. I remember many chats with Jack who would be busy working outside, as we walked by your place while taking the boys to and from school daily. Jack had such a zest for life and his smile and laughter were infectious. - Posted by: Karie Moroz (family friend) on: Apr 03, 2023
-
Judy and I wish to extend our sincere condolences to the Mohr family on the passing of Jack Mohr...an individual who made a positive impression on everyone he met. Jack's engaging smile, a positive conversation and his caring nature to help people stood out to me after our meeting Jack at Epiphany Lutheran Church. During my roles with Epiphany on Church Council, my responsibilities often required my presence at the Church. There were few, if any, visits where I did not encounter Jack helping out, doing whatever needed to be done or repaired. I nicknamed Jack "Doc" for his huge role in keeping Epiphany so pristine. Everyone I know has a fond memory of Jack. Mine that I will always have occurred when Jack and I teamed up many years to take a turn to cook the monthly Epiphany Men's Breakfast for our men's group. I volunteered for the simple job of cooking sausages. Little did I realize my error in thinking that! Jack shared instructions with me for well over 40 minutes as to what type of sausage to buy, where to buy them and, in great detail, how sausages needed to be prepared properly. We will definitely miss Jack and his smiling, positive countenance but will always remember how kind he was to people in need of positivity in his/her life. - Posted by: Ronald (Ron) Smith (Friend through church) on: Apr 02, 2023
-
I will always remember "Herr Mohr" stopping in the hallways of the school or the hockey rink for a quick chat, a chuckle and a big smile. A great man who will be missed. I will always cherish those memories. Boyd - Posted by: Boyd Hamblin (friend) on: Apr 02, 2023
-
Agnies and Family, I'm sorry to learn of his passing. I always enjoyed my visits on the phone and the visits in person. Will remember his smile. God's blessing Gerry - Posted by: Geraldine Scheidt (second cousin) on: Mar 27, 2023
-
I would like to pay tribute to Jack, (or Mr Mohr as I called him then) for his years first as my grade 8 teacher then as the Scoutmaster of our troop in Morris. He was a phenomenal leader and example to us all. I remember him coming out one early Saturday morning to a scout camp on the banks of the Red River at -20F to check on a group of us who were getting our winter camping badge. This would have been in the late 50s. Your example has led many to a full life, I think, Jack. Enjoy camping with the Lord. - Posted by: Jim Vickers (former student) on: Mar 25, 2023
-
My condolences to Agnes (my Dad’s cousin) and to the family on the loss of Jack. Blessings. - Posted by: Judith Single (Cousin) on: Mar 25, 2023
-
Agnes and family. We are sorry to learn of Jack's passing. His comment: "I had a good life - no, a great life and wouldn't change a thing" is a wonderful testament to the man and how he lived. We hope you take comfort from this in the coming days. - Posted by: Lee Anne and Keith Murphy (friends of the family) on: Mar 25, 2023
Email Alerts
Sign up for free email alerts of new obituaries for specific people, towns & more.
