U-M Professor Emeritus Lawrence B. “Larry” Mohr died March 9 in Chicago, at the age of 93.
Born in Los Angeles, Mohr grew up in Detroit. He attended the University of Chicago before moving to San Francisco, where he pursued his passion for music as part of a folk-singing duo with Odetta. Together, they released the album “Odetta and Larry at the Tin Angel” in 1954. Their musical partnership continued until Mohr was drafted into the U.S. Army; upon his return, they reunited briefly before he chose a different path. Rather than follow a professional music career, he dedicated several years to the U.S. Public Health Service before transitioning into academia.
After earning his master of public affairs and Ph.D. in political science from the University of Michigan, Mohr dedicated his career to U-M. From 1966 until his retirement in 1999, he was a committed faculty member and a founding member of the Institute of Public Policy Studies in 1969.
Mohr was an expert in organization theory, program evaluation, research methods and the philosophy of social research. In 1992, he received The Donald T. Campbell Award of the Policy Studies Organization for his outstanding methodological innovation in public policy studies. In addition to being a notable scholar and beloved teacher, Mohr served as a consultant for organizations such as the Government Accounting Office, National Institute of Education, National Institute of Justice, and National Science Foundation.
Beyond his academic contributions, Mohr found great joy in music — listening, singing, and playing the banjo — as well as reading, savoring fine food and wine, laughing deeply and spending cherished time with family and friends. His warmth and insight left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
Mohr is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth Hawthorne; his children Carol Mohr and Rick Mohr (Chloe); his stepchildren Arryn Hawthorne (Aren Drehobl), Jessica Hawthorne (former spouse Jamie Dreher), William Hawthorne (Ann); his grandchildren Evan Mohr, Abigail Dreher-Hawthorne, Kelsey Dreher-Hawthorne, Allison Hawthorne; and his sister Debbie Dorfman (Neal). He is also remembered fondly by many nieces and nephews across generations. He was predeceased by his parents, Morris and Rebecca, and siblings Arthur, Joe, Siebert, and Tootsie.
A memorial service will take place at 1 p.m. May 30 at the Michigan Union.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Gerald R. Ford School for Public Policy.
— Submitted by the Mohr family
