Lawrence B. Mohr

Professor Emeritus Lawrence B. Mohr passed away March 9, 2025 in Chicago, IL. He was 93. Larry was Professor Emeritus of Political Science and Public Policy in the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan. He served on the University of Michigan's faculty from 1966 until retiring on May 31, 1999.

Larry was born in Los Angeles, CA and grew up in Detroit, MI. He graduated from the University of Chicago and moved to San Francisco where he was part of a folk-singing duo with Odetta. The two released their album Odetta and Larry at the Tin Angel in 1954. Larry and Odetta played together until he was drafted into the army, and again for a short time after he returned. Rather than pursue a professional music career, he went to work for the US Public Health Service for several years before starting his academic career.

He found great joy in listening to music, singing, playing the banjo, reading, eating good food, drinking fine wine, laughing, and spending time with family and friends. The wisdom he imparted through his words or actions has guided countless friends, family, and students.

Larry is survived by his wife Elizabeth Hawthorne; his children Carol Mohr and Rick Mohr (Chloe); his stepchildren Arryn Hawthorne (Aren Drehobl), Jessica Hawthorne (former, Jamie Dreher), William Hawthorne (Ann); his grandchildren Evan Mohr, Abigail Dreher-Hawthorne, Kelsey Dreher-Hawthorne, Allison Hawthorne; his sister Debbie Dorfman (Neal); many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great great nieces and nephews. Larry’s parents, Morris and Rebecca, and his siblings Arthur, Joe, Siebert, and Tootsie predeceased him.

A memorial service and reception will be held on Friday, May 30, 2025, 1:00 PM at The Michigan Union, Kuenzel Room, 530 S. State Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Gerald R. Ford School for Public Policy https://fordschool.umich.edu/giving.