Reverend Michael Collver Mohn

The Reverend Michael Collver Mohn, 88, of Winchester died on May 17, 2026 at his residence. Michael was born April 19, 1938 in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Frederick and Inez Collver Mohn. He grew up in Gross Pointe, graduating from Gross Pointe High School in 1956. Michael studied history at Stetson University in Deland, Florida, and was also a distinguished cadet in the school’s ROTC program, earning a commission in the U.S. Army. After graduating, he served as a platoon commander in the 11th Armored Cavalry during the height of the Cold War, based in Straubing, West Germany on the Czechoslovakian border. Upon leaving active military service, Michael moved to Philadelphia to work in a corporate position in the insurance industry. During this time, he explored a recurring spiritual call, taking classes at Philadelphia Divinity School. This period of discernment affirmed his desire to become an ordained priest in the Episcopal Church. Michael then enrolled in Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, culminating in his ordination to the priesthood in 1971. His ministry led him to serve churches in Delaplane, Winchester, and Williamsburg, VA; Morganton and Hickory, NC; Sarasota, FL, and Philadelphia, PA. Michael’s ministry was driven by his fervent belief in God’s love for all people through Jesus, no matter their faith tradition. He was committed to nurturing the spiritual growth and participation of the youth in the Episcopal Church, encouraging them to fully engage in the life of the Church. Michael also felt a deep connection to the churches in the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East. To that end, he worked with the Diocese to build interfaith relationships in the Holy Land, and facilitated numerous pilgrimages for parishioners, youth groups, and others. Michael loved his family. He was married to Janie Baker Mohn for 56 years. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son Christopher Mohn and his wife Geralyn of Winchester; grandchildren Christopher Bales and his partner Jennifer Miller of Middletown and Matthew Bales of Winchester; two great-grandchildren, Toon and Charity; and many cherished nieces and nephews, who equally cherished their “Uncle Mike.” Michael was known for being kind and compassionate to all creatures, with a particular affinity for cats and, ironically, birds. He was also known for telling stories that were highly entertaining but impossible to verify, most of which involved working on a fishing boat as a young man, and the various odd jobs he held while growing up. Michael had a quick and mischievous wit, with a gift for making inappropriate comments at the perfect time to maximize embarrassment for his son (and wife), most often at restaurants. In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by his sisters Roslyn Kish and Louise Troost, niece Nancy Swanson, and great-nephew David Grems. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, June 6, at Christ Episcopal Church, 140 W. Boscawen Street, in Winchester, officiated by the Reverend Webster Gibson. Inurnment will be in the columbarium at the church. Friends will be received at a reception immediately following the service in the church parish hall.

Reverend Michael Collver Mohn

April 19, 1938 - May 17, 2026