Robert R. Mockler

CARIBOU - Robert R. Mockler, 76, died Jan. 3, 2014, in Bangor. He was born May 13, 1937, in Caribou, the son of the late Murray and Mary (Reynolds) Mockler.

He was a 1955 graduate of Caribou High School and the New England Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences in 1957. He was a member of the Order of DeMolay, serving as State Master Councilor and receiving the DeMolay Legion of Honor Award. He married Thelma Budd, June 18, 1958. Bob was a longtime active member of the Gray Memorial United Methodist Church, where over the years he served as an usher, was a member of the Board of Trustees, served on the finance committee, and was also a member of the United Methodist Men's Club. He was a 58 year member and Past Master of Caribou Lodge No. 170 AF & AM, The Garfield Chapter R.A.M, St Aldemar's Commandry, was a member of the Anah Temple Shrine, was a past Worthy Patron for Elizabeth Chapter O.E.S. and served as treasurer of the Caribou Masonic Association for many years. For over 54 years, Bob was also very active with the Caribou Kiwanis Club, serving as president, and he and many others volunteered hundreds of hours, establishing, maintaining and running Kamp Karawanee for children at Mud Lake. In 1984, he served as Lt. Governor of the New England District of Kiwanis. He served on the fundraising committee for the Francis Chan Center at Cary Medical Center, has been a member of the Caribou Chamber of Commerce since it was formed and in 1982 was made an honorary member of the Caribou Fire and Ambulance Department. He also served on Caribou's Sesquicentennial Committee. One of Mr. Mocklers proudest moments was when he was elected to serve of the Board of Directors for Aroostook County Federal Savings and Loan, and he was recently honored at a retirement dinner following 28 years of service. He was a dedicated funeral director and owned and operated Mockler Funeral Home for over 56 years. Many will remember Bob for the kindness and compassion that he offered to all in difficult and trying times, and that care and concern continued long after the service. He was a longtime member of the Maine Funeral Directors Association. He also operated Mockler Ambulance in Caribou until the early 1970s. Bob was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to snowmobile, fish, hunt and spend time at the camp he built (with the help of the neighbors) at Cross Lake. Some of his happiest moments were spent there with family and friends, and spring fishing with them at Square Lake. He loved to canoe and spend time on the Allagash. Many will remember Bob for his wit and sense of humor, and he brought a smile to many faces over the years.

Surviving in addition to his wife of over 55 years, Thelma of Caribou are three sons and two daughters-in-law; James and Christine Mockler of Caribou, David Mockler of Cross Lake, and Stephen and Beth Mockler of Townsend, Mass.; his grandchildren, Robert, Eric, Amanda, Mariah, John and Elizabeth; and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Mockler was predeceased by an infant daughter; his brother, Melbourne Mockler; and his sister, Gloria Burrell.

Friends may call 4-9 p.m. Tuesday, at Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir St., Caribou, where evening masonic memorial services will be held at 8 p.m. by the officers and members of Caribou Lodge. A traditional funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8, from the chapel of Mockler Funeral Home, with the Rev. Dr. Thomas Bentum and Pastor Troy Heald officiating. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery. Friends who wish to contribute in Bob's memory may do so through the Shriners Hospital for Children, care of Anah Temple Shrine, 592 Main St., Bangor ME 04401; or the Ronald McDonald House, 654 State St., Bangor ME 04401. Following the services all are invited to a time of reminiscing and refreshments at the Caribou Inn and Convention Center. www.mocklerfuneralhome.com.