David J. Mohr

David John Mohr passed away on July 11, 2026 surrounded by family and friends. He made his exit in the same fashion as he did at most family and community events; quietly exiting with little notice to others (perhaps a pocketed gingersnap cookie the only clue of his departure). His moments with us, however, were the exact opposite. A character! A charmer! An entertainer! Dear DJ left his mark in marvelous ways.

David was born to Phyllis Maxine (Sparks) Mohr and John Henry Mohr on the 10th of April, 1948. He grew up in the rural Ferguson area on the family farm along with his four sisters. He attended Ferguson school through the 6th grade until it became the LDF Community School district. He actively participated in all that he could: FFA, 4H, choir, starring in multiple LDF theatrical and musical productions, band, baseball, basketball, track, and football.

While David had many moments of infamy in those hallowed Warhawk Halls, it was the 1965/66 Homecoming game against the Baxter Bulldogs that became his calling card. Scoring a touchdown off a pass from Tony Good, and a block by Jim Wolken, David Mohr somehow got by Baxter All-Star, Stan Alspauch. This moment was forever captured by an artistic rendering by Dan Wolken, and later auctioned, with proceeds helping purchase a Gold Medal Popcorn Maker for the concession stand.

David would graduate in 1966 and enroll at Marshalltown Community College where he continued his football career and his education. After receiving his A.A., he transferred to University of Northern Iowa and walked onto the football squad. While he may not have been formerly recruited, he made the team by a little luck and hard work. The luck was that the All-American tackle Bruce Mohr had graduated the year prior. The hard work was never correcting Coach Stan Sherriff when he called David, “Bruce.” David went on to letter in football while achieving his degree from UNI; a minor in Physical Education and major in Social Sciences. David would seek out a career where his true passion was ever present, high-school teaching and community athletics.

Thus began David’s teaching and coaching tour of Iowa. His first job consisted of nearly every hat he could put on at Marathon Community Schools, then Bondurant-Farrar, SEMCO, East Marshall, Waterloo Central Middle School, Pella, Ballard, and once again Bondurant-Farrar. In all schools he taught while coaching at least one if not multiple sports. While some hold Division One athletics as their obsessions, it was Iowa varsity high school coaching and athletics that David obsessed over. Whether it be tales of Frank Huston, Chuck Pfaffle, Larry Niemeyer, or literally asking Patty Stockman to autograph the cover of her pitching VHS tape sleeve, David Mohr was their ultimate fan.

During this time, David married Sandy Parsons of Gladbrook, and welcomed her two young daughters; Ginny and Hallie, into the family before having their youngest Deidra. He took great pride in his new family and often wanted to document it via his VHS camcorder. He became “Hector the Director” and filmed every gathering, vacation, school project, sport event that occurred. His eye glued tight to the view finder, David was often seen filming everyone's best side as he walked behind them, asking them to narrate the days date, activity, and weather. All very pertinent information no matter it be a trip to Gatorland, or a riveting Easter egg hunt.

Betwixt his family and teaching jobs, David also sought out other ventures, and while none of them ever made him into a booming billionaire, they did give him great stories to tell. His stint as a farmer, focusing on the genetically diverse Chinese Soybean species, as well as Lady Finger Popcorn… while he did get them to grow in the field… the rogue bean also sprouted in the couch. A miniature golf course in LeGrand! Sheep raising! Over the road trucking which led to trips all over the U.S., and a never-ending game of “what’s left in the trailer” (everyone should own 20 clothing rack units from a renovation of JC Pennys, or a box of Black Cat Fireworks that were then accidentally thrown in the burn pile leading to a momentous afternoon display). He would also create Mohr or Less LLC with his cousin Paul Mohr. They never got their self-replicating 3D printers to farm ore from Mars, but the prototypes were grand.

Of all these extra jobs, and hobbies, officiating sports became his favorite. David would officiate Football, Volleyball, Boys and Girls Basketball, Baseball and Softball. It was not uncommon for him to know at least one person in the crowd due to his community involvement. He could of easily run for Mayor at every game he worked. His game management was to have the field, court, or diamond be his stage, and he worked it for all its worth. David would convince his youngest, Deidra to join him in the officiating ranks. Under his mentorship, they worked hundreds of regular season games, and many post-season contests. As Deidra continued to become a State Tournament level official, David became her personal cheerleader, paparazzi, and VIP.

Please continue to tell the tales of Mr. Mohr, DJ, David John; as there are so many! Carry on his wishes of helping anyone and everyone to your best ability. Bring humor and laughter as your tools of the trade.

David Mohr is survived by: Sandy Mohr of Dunbar. His children: Deidra Mohr of Dunbar, Ginny Zahnd of State Center, and Hallie (Bob) Crouse of Gilman. Grandchildren: Whitaker Crouse, Clara Crouse, Josi Zahnd, and Lily Zahnd. Sisters: Linda Mohr of Marshalltown and Karen (Dave) Eggert of Ames. Nieces and nephews: Michael, Sarah, Joanna, Melanie, Jeremy, Anna, Amanda, Casey, Jony, Tedd, Buck, and many more Mohr and Sparks family. Preceding David in death are his parents: John Mohr and Phyllis Maxine Mohr. His two sisters: Joan Mohr and Barbara Mohr, and his older brother Michael Mohr.

To David we all agree: “You called a good game, Blue.”

Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at Mitchell Family Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, July 17, 2026, at the Ferguson Bible Church. David will be laid to rest at Timber Creek Cemetery.

Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted to care for David and his family. To leave online condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.

~ Lovingly written by family

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