Retired officer ran engine-repair shop

10/5/2004

Richard Mohr, a former member of the Toledo Police Department who ran a small engine-repair shop for many years after retiring from the police force, died yesterday in the Hospice of Northwest Ohio. He was 68.

Family members said that Mr. Mohr died after struggling with heart disease and cancer.

"He was a compassionate man who was very dedicated to his family and friends," said Helen Mohr, his wife.

Born in Toledo in 1935, Mr. Mohr attended St. Mary's grade school and Central Catholic High School. He worked for his father at Mohr Brothers Bottling Co. on Lagrange Street before enlisting in the Army.

After returning to Toledo, Mr. Mohr joined the police department in 1965.

During his 17-year career Mr. Mohr was involved in two fatal shootings.

In 1969, authorities ruled he was justified in shooting a North Toledo man who was threatening him and another officer with a shotgun.

In 1980 he was involved in a shooting in East Toledo that left a 20-year-old suspect dead.

Mr. Mohr walked in on an armed robbery attempt at the then-Central Hot Dog restaurant on Front Street. Two people told police that Mr. Mohr saved their lives by pushing them out of the way before firing four times.

Authorities later ruled the shooting as justified and in self-defense.

Mr. Mohr was a member of the Toledo Police Patrolman's Association, the Fraternal Order of Police, the police department retirees, and the American Legion.

Mr. Mohr enjoyed camping and playing the drums.

Survivors include his wife Helen; daughters Victoria Toda, Mary Ann Miler, Peggy, and Jodie Stearns; sons Edward and Richard; 13 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today and 2 to 8 p.m. tomorrow in the Ansberg-West Funeral Home.

FOP services will be held at 7 p.m. Funeral services and interment are being arranged by the funeral home.

The family suggests that tributes be made to the Hospice of Northwest Ohio, the Police Memorial Fund, or the donor's favorite charity.