Dr. Robert H. Mohlenbrock

IN MEMORY OF: Robert H. Mohlenbrock Serving Location: CRAIN PLEASANT GROVE-MURDALE FUNERAL HOME 31 Memorial Drive, Murphysboro, Illinois Dr. Mohlenbrock was born on September 26, 1931, in Murphysboro to Robert Herman and Elsie Treece Mohlenbrock. They and his wife Beverly Ann Mohlenbrock preceded him in death. He is survived by children Mark William Mohlenbrock of Arizona and Carbondale and his fiancée Tiffany Loosvelt of Springfield, Missouri, Wendy Mohlenbrock Preece and her husband David of Murphysboro, and Trent Alan Mohlenbrock and his wife Beth of Carbondale, grandchildren Jason Mohlenbrock and his wife Shawna, Korinna Finfrock and her husband Herbert, and Marian Holliday and her husband Nathan all of Arizona, Heather Cain and her husband Blake of Springfield, Illinois, Andrew Mohlenbrock of Nashville, Tennessee, Dylan Preece and his fiancée Emily of Denver, Colorado, Madison Olsen and her husband Nick of Murphysboro, and five great grandchildren, Liam and Henry Cain of Springfield, Ellie Auwen and Wyatt Holliday of Arizona, and Adalyn Grace Olsen, of Murphysboro. Robert served in the Illinois National Guard. He was an internationally known botanist. After receiving his doctorate from Washington University (St. Louis) in 1957, he was employed in the Department of Botany at Southern Illinois University where he taught and did research for 34 years. He was chairman of the department for 16 years. He was recipient of the Outstanding Teacher Award and the Outstanding Researcher Award at Southern Illinois University and the Meritorious Teacher Award from the Association of Southeastern Biologists. He was named Distinguished Professor and Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Southern Illinois University. He was commencement speaker at the SIU College of Science commencement in 1992. He was major professor of 25 doctoral students and 68 masters students. He was author of 81 books and nearly 700 other publications including his “This Land” monthly column in Natural History magazine from 1984 until 2024. He was chairman of the North American Plant Specialists Group of the Species Survival Commission of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature for 12 years. After retiring from SIU in 1990, he and his wife formed Biotic Consultants where he taught 328 week-long wetland plant identification courses in 32 states. His wife accompanied him on all of these trips and typed all of his manuscripts. In September of 2022, the city of Murphysboro honored him by placing a mural of him, along with 19 celebrities of the city, on the outside of the town clerk’s building on 11th street. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating in his name to the Jackson County Historical Society, 1616 Edith St, Murphysboro, IL 62966. There will be a private service for the family and later, a public celebration of Robert’s wonderful life in the spring of 2025 when the wildflowers are blooming. The cremation of Robert H. Mohlenbrock has been personally handled by the staff of Crain Funeral Home. Crain Pleasant Grove – Murdale Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Dr. Robert H. Mohlenbrock

September 26, 1931 - November 5, 2024