David Mogen

1945 - 2026

David Mogen, 80

David Lee Mogen was born to Harold and Thelma (Wilson) Mogen in Bremerton, WA, on Sept. 7, 1945. He died on Jan. 2, 2026 in Coeur d'Alene in the Hospice of North Idaho. David and his five siblings were raised in small towns along the Montana Hi-Line where David's father was a school superintendent. This unique background and David's innate curiosity and creativity informed his academic pursuits and writings throughout his life.

David graduated from Froid High School, received a bachelor's degree from Columbia University and a PhD from the University of Colorado. He retired from Colorado State University where he was professor emeritus of English. He is the author or editor of a number of books including Ray Bradbury and a Montana family memoir, Honyocker Dreams, for which he was a finalist for a High Plains book award. David's career as a professor of English at Colorado State University earned him speaking invitations across the US and in Europe on the cultural impact of the American frontier.

David loved fly fishing, bridge, cribbage, good conversation, sports, and writing. He followed politics and enjoyed talking about world and national culture change with his friends and family. He loved singing with his siblings and learned to play the guitar. He organized multiple writing groups most recently in Missoula and at North Star, a senior living facility in Coeur d'Alene where he spent the last two years of his life.

David is pre-deceased by his parents and his brother, Kirk. He is survived by four siblings: Philip Mogen (Kathy), Doris Mogen (Ed), Michael Mogen (Pamela), Helen Sobeck (Dave), former spouse Elizabeth Hobbs, and step-daughter Jessy Lorion.

David will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

A memorial service will be Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Northstar Assisted Living at 2340 W. Seltice Way n Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Arrangements are provided by Yates Funeral Home. An on-line registry and condolences may be found at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com