Mocker, Dr. Donald W.

Dr. Donald W. Mocker, 78, of Raymore, MO, passed away August 24, 2014. A memorial service will be held a Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, 11100 College Blvd. Overland Park, Kansas on Thursday, September 4, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to The Faculty Development Fund at the School of Education, University of Missouri Kansas City or the Technology Fund at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, College of Education and Human Services.

Donald was born October 18, 1935, in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Wilbur H. and Bernice Dexheimer Mocker.

Dr. Mocker was Professor of Education and Dean of the School of Education at the University of Missouri Kansas City. After his retirement in 1993, he became Dean of the College of Education and Human Service at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh until 1999. In 2000, he was Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. He retired from that position in 2001. His area of expertise was adult and continuing education. From 1969-1976, he was co-director of the National Center for Resource Development in Adult Education. He was co-editor of the Journal of Lifelong Learning from 1983-1986. Dr. Mocker was born in University City, Missouri and received his bachelor's degree from Missouri Valley College, his master's from the University of Missouri Columbia, and his doctorate from the State University of New York Albany.

Among his many community activities he was a member of the Blue Valley and Raymore Peculiar Optimist Clubs, a board member of the Budget, Financial Management Assistance Program and a longtime member of ACLU and NAACP. In his retirement he loved to read and play golf.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Jack and Albert Mocker.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carole L. Mocker of 53 years; son, Jeff S. Mocker (Sherri Hinrichs); daughter, Amy L. Mocker (Brent Larzalere) and grandson, Grant Mocker.

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, MO (816)322-5278

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Oshkosh Northwestern on Aug. 31, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Mocker

9 Entries

Rosemary Smith

August 25, 2020

2020- I know we could benefit from Don’s wisdom at this point in our history. Missing a respected colleague.

Nevin Brown

July 11, 2015

I just have learned of Don's death. He was a wonderful professional colleague, and I thoroughly enjoyed knowing him (and co-authoring articles with him) during his years at UMKC, when I was with the land-grant college association. I send my very belated but sincere sympathies to Carole and all others in his family.

Rosemary Smith

September 8, 2014

Dean Mocker and Provost Mocker earned the respect of all the UW Oshkosh employees who work both WITH him and FOR him. I always appreciated his "can do" positive attitude. The College of Nursing faculty and staff extend sympathy to the Mocker Family.

Gail Metcalf Schartel

September 3, 2014

Dean Mocker changed so many lives, mine included. He was a fair, rational gentleman who had more common sense than most. His dedication to education at all levels was remarkable. I will miss seeing him honor graduates at every School of Education Commencement Ceremony. My condolences to his family.

September 2, 2014

I was deeply saddened to learn of Don's passing. Through the years that I knew him, I lived vicariously through he and Carol's worldy travels and knowledge of different cultures. I am blessed to have known him and I am a better man because of him. My thoughts and prayers are with Carol and the family.

Todd Haynes

September 1, 2014

Dear Carole & family,

You can imagine our surprise to see the article about Don in our Oshkosh paper. It saddened us, but we are grateful to have been made aware. We are also grateful for your visit to First Pres a short while ago, giving us a chance to visit.. Don was a unique individual who always kept us on our toes. He was well respected on campus & we enjoyed knowing him & sharing the mission trip.

Our prayers are for your peace & comfort.

Dick & Marti Norton

Bernie Olejniczak

August 31, 2014

He was the best dean and a good friend.

Mike Ford

August 31, 2014

I am glad my years at UW Oshkosh included time with Dean Mocker. I appreciated his support and encouragement during those years.

Roger Dier

August 31, 2014

Don Mocker wrote his own obituary, and it was both modest and proud in his understated way. You lived a full and useful life Mr. Mocker, and those who became your acquaintances or friends became better people. You were a most important figure in the life of someone in my heart, and she considered you a second father. Farewell, friend. I'm so glad that I got to know you. Thank you for sprinkling the world with your brand of reason, insight and understanding.

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