Mohler, Donald 'Moose' R.

Donald “Moose” R. Mohler, 73, of Hiawatha, died Friday, Nov. 1, 2013, at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, following a sudden illness. Friends may visit with the family from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Teahen Funeral Home.

Moose is survived by his wife, Laima; daughter, Karen (Tom) Sauerbry; son, Kevin (Terri) Mohler, both of Cedar Rapids; five grandchildren, Nicole Mohler, Michael Sauerbry, Casey Mohler, Jackie Mohler and Tim (Katelyn) Sauerbry; one great-grandchild, Deryck Sauerbry; one brother, Gary Mohler of Burlington; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Donald was born on May 18, 1940, in Burlington, the son of Richard A. and Mary K. (Brehm) Mohler. He was a 1958 graduate of Burlington High School. He married Laima Jean Bruzitis in August 1959 in Iowa City. Moose and Laima lived in Burlington until 1975, when they moved to Hiawatha.

Moose always stayed very active and worked hard up until his death. He was the assistant fire chief for the West Burlington Fire Department and a retired fire chief of the Hiawatha Fire Department. He was active in the City of Hiawatha through participation with City Council and currently the Hiawatha Planning and Zoning. Moose worked as a parts manager for many local auto dealerships as well as security for all Iowa Hawkeye events and part time at Gardner Golf Course. He enjoyed auto racing, hunting, bowling, golfing and was an avid NASCAR fan.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Online condolences can be left at .

Published in The Gazette Nov. 5, 2013.