Donna Rae (Porterfield) Mohr, 75, of St. Joseph, passed away peacefully at home on January 29, 2025, at 8:24 a.m., surrounded by her loving family, after facing Alzheimer’s dementia with courage and grace.
Born on May 24, 1949, at Jarman Hospital in Tuscola, Donna was the daughter of Conrad Rae Porterfield and Frieda Myers Porterfield and the stepdaughter of Virgil H. Nonman.
She graduated from ABL High School in 1967, was a member of the National Honor Society, and cherished the lifelong friendships she built with her classmates. Donna went on to earn a B.S. in Education from Southern Illinois University in 1971.
On September 25, 1969, she married her high school sweetheart, Roland (Rick) Mohr, at Fort Campbell, KY, just before his deployment to Vietnam. They shared 55 years of marriage filled with love, commitment, and a partnership that grew stronger with each passing year.
Donna is survived by her loving husband, Rick; her sons, Timothy (Joscyln) Mohr of St. Joseph and Thomas (Sarah) Mohr of Tolono. She was a devoted grandmother, affectionately known as “Bebi,” to Cole (Caitlin), Jae, Jackson, and Riley Mohr. She is also survived by her sister, Dorothy (Bob) Gordon of St. Joseph; stepsisters, Carol Nonman Seaholm of Leavenworth, KS, and Mary (Mick) Nonman Schumacher of Sidney; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Donna had a fulfilling and meaningful career, balancing professional dedication and love for her family. She worked full-time at the University of Illinois from 1974 to 1979 as a secretary for the Microbiology and Entomology Departments. In 1985, she transitioned to a part-time role as secretary for the St. Joseph United Methodist Church, allowing her to spend more time at home with her children. In 1995, she returned to the University of Illinois, first working in the Economics Department before moving to the School of Music, where she remained until her retirement in 2010.
Donna dedicated 18 years to serving on the St. Joseph Elementary School Board, many of those as President. A passionate advocate for her community, she was pivotal in acquiring the land and securing funding for the new St. Joseph Middle School. Her efforts created a lasting legacy that benefits countless students, families, and her two youngest grandchildren.
Donna’s passion for community extended beyond her professional life. She was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, a proud member of the St. Joseph Women's Club, and an avid bridge player, enjoying many years with the St. Joseph and Champaign-Urbana bridge clubs.
She loved reading and enjoyed watching movies, especially those by Hallmark. She found joy in baking cherished family recipes, and her Christmas sugar cookies, lemon lush, and beloved banana bread became favorites among her children and grandchildren. "Bebi" was her son’s & grandchildren’s biggest cheerleader, she never missed a single event—whether it was a play, game, dance recital, sporting event, or scholastic bowl—her unwavering support was a constant source of love and encouragement. Donna also loved traveling to Florida with Rick and treasured their memories of taking the grandchildren to Walt Disney World. She visited 49 of the 50 states—Alaska being the only one she missed.
Donna’s life was one of love, dedication, and commitment to her family, friends, and community. She leaves behind many memories of kindness, advocacy, and friendship that will be cherished by all who knew her.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate teams at Transitions Care, Carle Home Health, and the Carle Wound Clinic for Donna's excellent care. Their support was invaluable in helping Rick care for Donna at home, and the family is deeply appreciative of their kindness and dedication.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 6, from 4 to 7:00 pm, and funeral service on Friday, February 7, at 10:00 am at Freese Funeral Home in St. Joseph. Burial will be at St. John’s Cemetery, Broadlands.
Memorials may be made to St. Joseph United Methodist Church, St. John’s Cemetery, or a charity of your choice.
A message of condolences can be sent to the family by going to Donna’s obituary page on the Freese Funeral Home website, www.freesefh.com.
https://www.freesefh.com/obituary/Donna-Rae-Mohr
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