Robert Norton Mohlman age 90 years, 10 months, 13 days passed away Thursday, July 7, 2016 at 7:40 p.m. He was born August 24, 1925 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Columbus, Nebraska to Eilert and Anna (Brandes) Mohlman. He graduated from Kramer (Columbus) High School in 1943, known in the school Annual as “A PAL TO ALL”, a philosophy that shaped his belief in and acceptance of all persons throughout his life. He served in the 130th Signal Radio Intelligence Company of the U.S. Army during World War II for 3 years and received a Bronze Star for service on Guam in the Mariana Islands during the Western Pacific Campaign. He graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education, majoring in Social Science and English, and, in 1954, a Master of Science degree. He was a high school teacher in Fairbury and Omaha for six years before returning to Lincoln to begin a pursuit of a Doctoral Degree in Adult and Continuing Education.
August 1, 1953, Bob married Darlene Marie Holstrom, a marriage of faith and graceful love that lasted 52 plus years interrupted only with the passing of Darlene, February 3, 2006. The union developed 4 treasured, talented and beautiful daughters–Marsha, Linda, Lisa and Monica.
On May 3, 1957, Bob began a 52 year association with the Nebraska Department of Labor serving as an Employment Interviewer, Placement Specialist in Professional Jobs, serving 34 years as Staff Training and Development Officer, and, after official retirement, returned to become lead Department Receptionist for 7 years. He often referred to his public service work and relationship with all peoples, “His Job, His Life,” and credited many persons as friends who represented his favorite saying: “No person is the whole of himself; his friends are the rest of him.”
Bob’s keen interest in growth and development and professionalism on the job provided him the opportunity to develop and conduct educational and training programs locally and nationally for persons in their professional association, the International Association of Personnel in Employment Security (IAPES). He was elected International President of his professional association of 26,000 members, world-wide, in Toronto, Canada, in 1981. Bob was an active Presbyterian and an Elder, Deacon and Worship Enabler, as a member of Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church.
Robert is survived by daughters and sons-in-law: Marsha and David Wetrosky of Nebraska City, Linda and Michael Stroud of El Mirage, Arizona, Monica Mohlman of Lincoln, Lisa and Ralf Lindow of Bellevue; former son-in-law, Eric Gillette. Grandchildren, Alex, Audra, Ava Wetrosky all Nebraska City; Justin Stroud and fiancé Beth Outz of Lincoln, Jenna Stroud Petrocchi and husband Ryan of Birmingham, Alabama; Morgan Gillette of Lincoln; Samuel, Carter and Emma Gillette of Bellevue; step granddaughters Sasha Lindow and Jessica Holcomb of Bellevue; great grandson Forest Riegle and his father Chris Reigle of Lincoln. Great granddaughter, Renata Caster and her father Josh Caster of Lincoln. Special nieces Pat Webster and Pam Sayers of North Carolina, Sandra Barth of Manhattan, Kansas; Terri Willmes of Lincoln. Nephew, Don R. Mohlman, Jr. of Elkhorn and special buddies Laurie and Will; and his beloved St. Bernard, Bailey. Bob was preceded in death by his wife Darlene and her sister Donna. Brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Shirley Mohlman and his beloved cat, Spoky.
Memorial service 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, July 14, 2016 at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, 8300 East Pointe Dr. Rev. Jeff D. Warrick presiding and celebrating Bob’s life. Inurnment will be at Wyuka Cemetery at 9:00 A.M. on Thursday, July 14th.
Memorials to the family for a later designation.
Love and prayers from California. I was so happy to meet long time Facebook friends, Monica and Lisa, in person last year, and this wonderfully adorable man in a bow tie was a bonus! What a wonderfully kind and welcoming man he was to us, complete strangers who showed up at his house to meet 2 of his daughters,1st time ever in person. I will miss him randomly texting me, he made me laugh. I am so happy I had the privilege of meeting him. I can tell you, I will never forget him.
My Deepest Sympathy,
Lynn Christian
Thanks, Lynn. I know he was just as happy to meet you, your mom and friend Lisa. He loved EVERYONE!
Monica, so sorry for the loss of your dad. ? You are a great daughter, you gave up so much in your life to take care of your dad, he loves you and appreciates you more than you know. It’d been a long time since he had come into Madsen’s but I do remember him being around the 1st couple of years I worked there. He is and was a Great man! ? In my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you so much Sara. ??
I will always remember Bob as one of the kindest individuals I have ever known. He always created an atmosphere at trainings where you wanted to participate and get involved. Bob provided books, handouts and gifts at training. He remembered each one of our names and genuinely seemed interested in us as a person and not as an employee of DOL. We had some of the best training sessions thanks to Bob. Know that your dad had a lasting impact on so many lives including mine. He will always be remembered!! Bob may you rest in peace and be alive in God’s presence.
Lisa and family,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Although only really a Facebook friend from jr high past, it was easy to see the bond you guys had with with your dad and my thoughts are with you in this time of loss.
On an unrelated note…My dad was a navy ground based radio maintenance technician on Guam during WWII. Maybe they crossed paths during that time.
Again, I wish you and your family the best!
Hughie Mattern
Thanks, Hugh. That would have been awesome if they had cross paths! Thanks for thinking of us – it means a lot.
Lisa
Lisa, Monica, Linda & Marsha—
I will always remember your Dad as one of the kindest people I have ever known. Once he met you, you were his Friend. I always told him that he reminded me of my Pops–their kindness; their ability to make friends easily; their knowledge of life and people and were easy to talk to were some of their greatest virtues. And, their Faith in God. Plus, your Dad was a great hugger! I was very lucky to have him in my life. Take Care! May God Be With You—-
Thanks, Barbie. And thanks for everything you have done for us over the years @ NDOL CU.
Lisa
Lisa and family ~
Sincere condolences on Bob’s passing. He was a gentleman to the core and was always extra special to me as he went to high school with my dad (who died when I was 20). A nice link to the past. I could go on for days with so many good memories of your dad, but I’ll bookend all those thoughts by saying that I last saw Bob at John Baldus’s memorial service about a month ago and Bob was kissing my hands as I held his. I will cherish that always!
What a truly wonderful life to celebrate! He will live on in our hearts, making us smile, forever.
Becky ~ NDOL
It was a pleasure to work for Bob for 5 years. The service was a beautiful tribute. He will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers go to your families.
“A good book has no ending,” Robert Frost