Barbara Mohar

She was born April 20, 1939, in Big Bay, the youngest child of Francis and Louise (Prosen) Spehar. Barb attended Powell Township School through the eighth grade, later graduating with the class of 1957 from Bishop Baraga High School in Marquette. She completed training to become a licensed practical nurse at Northern Michigan University and worked at St. Mary’s Hospital in Marquette, William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, MI, and also at the VA hospital in Long Beach, CA over the next several years.

Barbara returned to Northern Michigan University to earn her Bachelor’s degree in education, specializing in speech pathology. She taught early elementary in Michigamme, and practiced speech therapy in the Copper Country. Barbara left education to raise her family. She later returned to speech therapy and worked for various public schools in the area, before retiring from Gwinn Area Schools.

On June 24th, 1967, Barbara married Robert Mohar at St. Christopher Catholic Church, and together they enjoyed 53 years of marriage. She devoted 18 years to being a stay-at-home mom and raising their five children and providing a loving home. Bob and Barb were faithful members of St. Louis the King Catholic Church in Harvey for over 50 years where Barb taught religious education and sang in the choir throughout the years.

In addition to hosting many holiday and family gatherings each year, Barbara enjoyed Friday night fish fries with family and luncheons with friends and former coworkers. She also volunteered for many years with the Care Clinic of Marquette.

Barbara is survived by her children, Mary (James) Styers of Oklahoma, Robert (Sue) Mohar of DePere, WI, Steve Mohar of Newberry, Anne (Andrew) Schumer of Chassell and Joseph (Kathryn Hosking) Mohar of Marquette; grandchildren, Amanda (Israel) Pattison, James (Lauren) Styers, Jr., Sarah (Jackson) Pruett, Robert Styers, Claire Mohar, Jacob Mohar, Rosie and Maria Mohar; great-grandchildren, Wesley and Olivia Styers and Baby Pattison arriving in September.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert Mohar; and siblings, Kathryn ‘Kitty’ L’Huillier and Francis ‘Shanky’ Spehar.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Mill Creek and UP Home Health and Hospice for their compassionate care of our mother.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025 from 10 am to 12 Noon at St. Louis the King Catholic Church. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12 Noon with Rev. Thomas Merkel officiating. A luncheon will follow the Mass in the church hall. Interment will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery.

Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com