Laura Arkfeld-Mohr was the first born of nine children to Henry and Irene (Graeve) Arkfeld on June 8, 1951. Laura attended St. Mary’s in Panama and Portsmouth for grade school. She graduated with the Harlan Community High School class of 1969. A special year was 5th grade. She was part of the first class to attend Panama’s one room school when it was moved to town. At the time of her death, she served as Vice President of Panama’s Historic One Room School Museum – Washington Township #7.
Following graduation, Laura attended University of Northern Iowa and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Spanish and Photography in May, 1973. During her time as a Panther, she traveled to Bogota, Columbia as a foreign exchange student.
After college, Laura continued her love of photography, joining Buntrock Salie Studio in Storm Lake, Iowa. This is where she met the love of her life, Michael J. Mohr. They were united in marriage on September 2, 1978. In 1980 they became owners of Logeland Studio in Harlan, Iowa. This partnership carried on the legacy of Henry and Irene’s “Arkfeld Studio”, creating wonderful memories for countless clients from coast to coast. Laura and Mike served on the McKenna Color Lab Advisory Board for many years.
When Mike unexpectedly passed away on April 17, 2001, Laura continued the photography business until she retired. After her “retirement”, she worked as the Secretary at St. Mary’s of the Assumption Parish in Panama, Iowa.
Laura embraced her communities both in Harlan and Panama. She was instrumental in the Harlan Main Street Development Project, and loved her Cyclones. Laura was inducted into the HCS Booster Club Hall of Fame. She was welcomed with open arms when she returned to the Panama community where she was involved with Book Club, Sewing Circle, Music Ministry and Prayer Groups. She enjoyed being a prayer partner for the Shelby County Catholic School. She had a voracious love of light houses, water, sailing, speed boats, and Jimmy Buffett. People who knew her, loved her sense of humor, good listening skills, trustworthiness, and secret keeping ability. What was most treasured in her life was FAMILY. Right at the top were her nieces and nephews, with five more on the way.
Laura passed away peacefully on Friday, March 15, 2024 after a hard fought battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Irene Arkeld; her husband, Michael Mohr; stepson, John Mohr; nephew, DJ Ozbun and brother-in-law, Howard Wolfe.
She is survived by her stepdaughter Kelly Mohr of Rogersville, MO; step granddaughter Marya (Makenzie) Wescott & their children Audree & Isaiah of Fremont Hill, MO; siblings Dan (Jeanne) Arkfeld of Seneca, SC; Pat (Denise) Arkfeld of Fresno, CA; Tim (Denise) Arkfeld of Charlotte, NC; Joanne (Don) Ozbun of Atlantic, IA; Jane (Rich) Hodapp of Matthews, NC; Phil (Laura) Arkfeld of Chino Hills, CA; Denise (Scott) Assmann of Panama, IA; Deanna (Roger) Schwery of Jacksonville, IA; sisters-in-law Julia Wolfe of Jacksonville, FL; Pam Barickman-Johnson of Rapid City, SD; brother-in-law Pat (Leanne) Mohr of Galva, IA; 30 nieces and nephews; 28 great nieces and nephews; many other relatives and friends.
Memorials can be made in Laura’s name to Panama Historic One Room School Museum.
Mass of Christian Burial for 72-year-old Laura Arkfeld Mohr of Panama will be held on Tuesday, March 19, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Assumption in Panama. Visitation will be held Monday, March 18th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Parish Center in Panama, with Rosary at 4:00 p.m. Burial will be held at the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Panama.
