Thomas Frederick Mohr

Thomas (Tom) Frederick Mohr, 91, passed away in Rockford, Illinois, on May 19, 2025. He was born on September 16, 1933, in Jackson, Michigan, son to Maurice and Irene (Holland) Mohr. A passionate junior college basketball player with an acclaimed 2-handed set shot, Tom left Jackson Jr. College to enlist in the Army, recognizing the great benefit of the GI Bill at the time. Post-WWII and not serving overseas, he was discharged into the life he had planned: college and family. Enrolling in the only university the “Michigan Mohrs” trusted, Tom became a Spartan and earned his bachelor’s degree and then master’s. More purposefully, he asked the girl of his dreams, the late Louise (Parker) Mohr (November 22, 2024) to marry him. Having of course said “Yes,” Louise married Tom in Jackson, Michigan, on September 10, 1955. They quickly set out to build their life together with family and friends. His strong, supportive, and generous nature made him not only a loving husband but also a dedicated and supportive father. As the rock of the family, Tom created a stable and nurturing home with Louise and their four children, a home filled with love, countless memories, and ambitions. Vice-president of Michigan Express in the ’60s, he achieved his goal of owning his own company, buying Overnite Trucking in Rockford, Illinois, in the ’70s. Despite some entrepreneurial ups and downs, he supported his family throughout his 40-year career as a business owner. An avid reader with an open mind, Tom’s generosity extended to community and faith as well. He loved his time at Rockford Country Club, Bel-Mar Country Club, and the University Club, golfing, playing cards with his fellas, and enjoying a pitcher or two. In the community, he was dedicated to his beliefs and became a Eucharistic Minister in various Catholic settings throughout Rockford. His greatest legacy, however, is his grandchildren — the next generation. They quickly learned that they had a reliable and supportive grandfather who would do anything for them, and nothing made him happier than participating in his grandchildren’s lives. As Tom’s kids knew they would, his grandkids soon began to rely on his love, support, and wisdom.

Tom will be missed by those who loved him most — his children Jeffrey Mohr, Laurie (Curt) Kleckler, and Phillip (Chris) Mohr; his grandchildren Mallory (Erich) Simmons, Allison (Nick Mudgett) Mohr, David (Amber) Kleckler, Abigail (Michael) McGarry, Maxwell (Morgan) Mohr, Maddelyn (Brian) Enriquez, and Peyton Mohr; his 8 great grandchildren; sister-in-law Sally Barker; and 20 nieces and nephews. Tom (and Louise) will take great solace in knowing that in their next stage they will be seeing their beloved late son, Andy Mohr (November 25, 1980), as well as many additional loving family members and lifelong friends. A jazz and polka trumpeter, Tom will also be met by “the Mohr boys” — his band of brothers Don, Chuck, and Bernie.

The family will be holding a private memorial service this summer when they all come together in August. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com, or email their son Phillip Mohr at phil.mohr5@gmail.com or their daughter Laurie Kleckler at llk4205@comcast.net.