John Robert Mog (1955-2023)

John Robert Mog was born to John and Roberta Mog on Feb. 26, 1955, and left us on Aug. 10, 2023. Johnny was the second of the brood, growing up on a small homestead in Ellsworth County, Kan.

He survived his first four years of education in the one-room country schoolhouse in Black Wolf Township, before he moved to Ellsworth. He graduated Ellsworth High School in 1973, where he excelled in sports, taking all-league honors in both track and football.

Feeling boxed and knowing a broader life awaited, he moved on to college to find his way, earning credits and interpreting for deaf students at Johnson County Community College before finishing his business degree as a Jayhawk at the University of Kansas in 1978.

Upon graduation, he moved west to Santa Barbara, Calif., where he was blessed with his son Trevor in the spring of 1979. He then moved north to the Bay Area, where he would spend the rest of his life. He earned his Master’s Degree at San Jose State University and ultimately worked in the office of the President for Stanford University. It was while living in Santa Cruz that he met his future husband, Walber.

John’s family was so important to him. His fondest memories were camping with his grandparents and family, traveling extensively through Europe with his family and Walber, watching KU basketball, spending time tending to his garden and sharing his thoughts, plants and memories with those who would listen. He was also a strong advocate for the deaf community.

Although John experienced numerous serious health issues, he had an incredible will to live. He fought a long, hard battle and never gave up.

John is survived by his loyal and loving husband Walber, his son Trevor (Karie) and three grandchildren, Pierce, Preston and Phoebe.

John’s wishes are to be memorialized through donations to the AIDS Foundation.